Soybean Group Presses Officials to Drop 10% China Tariff

The American Soybean Association is asking the Trump administration to remove a remaining 10% tariff on U.S. soybeans sold to China.

ASA President Scott Metzger, an Ohio farmer, stated that the duty creates an unfair disadvantage against Brazilian and other South American exporters. He noted that private Chinese importers currently have limited access, leaving much of the trade dependent on state-owned enterprises. Metzger said removing the tariff would open commercial markets and allow U.S. growers to supply another 25% to 30% above current levels.

Under the existing Trump-Xi trade agreement, China committed to buying at least 25 million metric tons of U.S. soybeans each year from 2026 through 2028. Metzger reported that China has purchased approximately 15 million metric tons for the 2026 commitment so far. He emphasized the need for China to fulfill these annual targets to give growers certainty in their production and marketing decisions.

Metzger also advocated for a longer-term suspension of Section 301 port fees applied to Chinese-built and Chinese-operated vessels. The U.S. Trade Representative extended this suspension through January 9, 2027. Metzger argued that avoiding these shipping costs during the primary export season helps maintain competitiveness and reduces the risk of supply chain disruptions.

President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping are scheduled to meet at the APEC summit in Shenzhen, China, on November 18 and 19. Metzger hopes that soybean market access will remain a central part of their discussions. He stated that securing additional purchase commitments and maintaining shipping relief would strengthen the bilateral relationship. “Just seeing that we can have what we’ve asked for, especially with the tariffs, the 10% on there, would go a long way,” Metzger said.

Metzger reported that his Ohio farm finished a successful harvest season, producing record corn and soybean crops. Double-crop soybeans came in slightly above average, and the operation completed harvest on schedule. This timely finish allowed Metzger to shift his focus back to representing soybean growers nationally.

The next major step in the trade process is the November 18-19 APEC summit in Shenzhen, where officials will discuss remaining tariff and shipping issues.