U.S. farmers welcomed China's commitment to purchase some soybeans, but they also reminded that this does not solve all problems as they still face soaring prices for fertilizers, tractors, repair parts and seeds. China has committed to purchasing at least 25 million tons of soybeans annually over the next three years, which would bring their purchases back to the levels before President Trump launched the trade war against China in the spring. However, the 12 million tons of soybeans China plans to purchase from now until January next year is only about half of the usual annual procurement.

"This is a very good thing. I'm very grateful," said Rob Yovelt, a farmer from Iowa and a member of the U.S. Soybean Board. "I don't want to sound like an ungrateful farmer, but this doesn't solve all the problems in the short term." Bryant Cagle, a farmer from Missouri, said it was a bit "crazy" when everyone is so excited about this agreement because what it does is just bringing farmers back to the state before the trade war started. "If you don't expect to eventually get a better outcome, I don't understand why a trade war would be launched," Cagle said, who is a partial owner of the Amity Cagle Farm in Missouri.

Agriculture Secretary Brooke Lohse said that China also agreed to remove all retaliatory tariffs on U.S. agricultural products, which will open the door for sales of other crops and beef. Additionally, China has committed to resuming purchases of U.S. sorghum, another major crop used mainly as animal feed, which relies on this market. More than half of the annual exports of sorghum and soybeans are sold to China.

These commitments from China should make it easier for farmers to obtain loans needed for next year, but Ewald said, "I hope the government does not think that this can solve all problems in the next six to eight months or ten months." Trump had promised a major aid program this fall to help farmers cope with the trade war with China, but the plan has been put on hold due to the ongoing government shutdown.

Lohse said the aid program is still being developed, but she pledged that the government is ready to "fill the gaps" and address any damage caused by the trade war to farmers. "We will monitor market trends, and if we believe it is necessary, we will continue to be prepared to intervene," Lohse said.

Court Campbell, former deputy secretary of state in the Biden administration and current chairman of Asia Group, said it was not surprising that Trump negotiated these soybean purchase agreements, as it benefits his core voters in rural America. Campbell said, "The key outcomes seem to be things that are very important to President Trump in the short term, especially the progress on fentanyl and the increase in soybean sales from congressional districts important to the Republicans."

China is the world's largest buyer of soybeans. In recent years, it has consistently purchased about a quarter of the U.S. crop. Last year, China bought over $12.5 billion worth of U.S. soybeans, while the total value of U.S. soybean exports was approximately $24.5 billion.

This year, after Trump imposed tariffs, China stopped buying U.S. soybeans. However, over the past decade, China has gradually shifted more of its purchases to Brazil and other South American countries.

Last year, Brazilian soybeans accounted for more than 70% of China's imports, while the U.S. share dropped to 21%, according to World Bank data. Argentina and other South American countries have also increased exports to China, as China diversifies its imports to enhance food security.

Caleb Ragland, president of the U.S. Soybean Association trade organization and a farmer, said the agreement lays the foundation for restoring China's traditional purchase of 25 to 30 million tons of U.S. soybeans. "This is an important step in re-establishing a stable, long-term trade relationship that can bring real results for farm families and future generations," said Ragland, who farms near Magnolia, Kentucky.

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