President Donald Trump encouraged China to buy soybeans from the U.S. to address the Asian country’s crop shortages.
The president suggested that the country “quadruple” its orders in a post to his Truth Social account on Sunday night. He also said that if China opted to do so, it would go a long way toward “substantially reducing” its trade deficit with the U.S. Additionally, Trump also promised an expedited service if any orders were placed.
“China is worried about its shortage of soybeans,” Trump posted. “Our great farmers produce the most robust soybeans. I hope China will quickly quadruple its soybean orders.” This is also a way of substantially reducing China’s Trade Deficit with the USA. Rapid service will be provided. Thank you President XI.”
Trump’s post comes as the deadline for Trump’s previously announced tariffs on Chinese goods is set to expire on Tuesday, according to reports.
China reportedly imports more than 60% of the world’s soybeans, with most shipments coming from the U.S. and Brazil. Last year, the country received more than 105 million metric tons of soybeans, according to Reuters, with slightly under 25% of those imports coming from the U.S. It used to be a much higher percentage; however, China started to decrease its soybean imports from the U.S. beginning in 2018.
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Regarding the tariffs, the Trump administration still appears to be undecided on its course of action. Vice President JD Vance discussed the potential for Chinese tariffs on Fox News’ Sunday Morning Futures. He explained that no decision had been made yet, but said that tariffs on China were “on the table,” adding that doing so is a more complex issue given the geopolitical ramifications involved.
“The president said he’s thinking about it, but he hasn’t made any firm decisions,” said Vance. “The China issue is a little bit more complicated because our relationship… affects a lot of other things that have nothing to do with the Russian situation.”
