US Revises Soybean Purchase Timeline by China Due to Schedule Discrepancies

US Trade Representative Jamison Greer announced a change to the previously established deadlines for China’s commitments to purchase American soybeans. The new schedule extends the purchase deadlines from the end of 2025 to the conclusion of the current growing season. This was revealed during Greer’s testimony before the Senate Appropriations Committee in Washington.

This is reported by AgroReview

Reasons for the Change in Purchase Schedule

Greer noted that the reason for the revision was a “discrepancy” between his earlier statements and the official information released by the White House on November 1, following President Trump’s meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The statement indicated that China commits to purchasing no less than 12 million tons of American soybeans in the last two months of 2025 and at least 25 million tons annually from 2026 to 2028.

“Farmers have reached out to me asking for clarification on this discrepancy, and I emphasize that the purchase schedule pertains specifically to the current growing season.”

Market Situation and Government Support

According to the US Department of Agriculture, the majority of soybean planting occurs in May and June, with harvest taking place in September and October. Amid the trade war between the US and China, many American farmers have faced significant financial difficulties due to reduced exports to China. To support farmers, President Trump announced a $12 billion aid package, of which $11 billion consists of direct payments.

Following the meeting between US and Chinese leaders at the end of October, Beijing resumed imports of American soybeans, making at least 10 purchases of varying volumes. As of Tuesday, the total volume of soybeans purchased since October reached approximately 2.85 million tons. According to the US Department of Agriculture, an additional 132,000 tons of soybeans have already been reserved for future shipments to China.