By Sanxuan

American farmers probably didn't expect that the vote they cast for Trump would bring them such a disaster. According to reports from multiple U.S. media outlets, American farmers who grow corn and soybeans are going through what may be the darkest period in history. In September, it should have been the time when they sold their hard-earned harvest to Chinese companies and relaxed at home counting their money. Now it's almost October, and the order volume from China is still zero.

American Soybeans Can't Be Sold

The Disappeared Chinese Orders

According to statistics from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, this is the first time since 1998 that China has refused to place orders with the United States during the soybean harvest season. However, in 2024, Chinese buyers purchased $12.6 billion worth of U.S. soybeans. It can be said that the tension between the U.S. and China has not been particularly good under Biden's administration. The biggest change was Trump being elected president and starting a tariff war with China.

The reason why Chinese buyers are not buying U.S. soybeans is simple. After we implemented countermeasures and imposed additional tariffs on U.S. agricultural products, the price of U.S. soybeans increased significantly. Soybeans are not a strategic material that cannot be replaced. Brazil and Argentina also sell them. In the past few months, we have imported a lot of soybeans from these two South American countries. Every time a cargo ship departs from South America, U.S. media always complains about losing business.

Trump Wants China to Buy Soybeans, We Said No

Do you think Trump doesn't know this situation? Of course not. In August, before the third round of U.S.-China trade negotiations, he specifically called on us to double the purchase of U.S. soybeans. Trump clearly knows that these farmers are the traditional voting base of the Republicans. If they can't make money, there will be problems with the midterm elections next year and the presidential election in 2028. However, China refuses to compromise, and he can't do anything about it.

Trump's Empty Promises

So, Trump started his verbal tactics. He posted on social media, promising to use part of the tariff revenue to subsidize farmers. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue also stated that once the government's "farm aid program" is launched, farmers' lives would immediately improve, and everyone could get rich.

By the way, in March this year, when egg prices soared in the U.S., it was also Perdue who suggested that Americans raise chickens in their backyards instead of buying eggs from supermarkets, which further increased egg prices. This absurd idea immediately drew criticism from the media and the public. It's clear how much Perdue, a former litigation lawyer, actually understands U.S. agriculture.

US Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue

What makes American farmers even more frustrated is that, given the efficiency of the U.S. government, it's uncertain when the aid plan will be implemented. But they need money now. In some pro-U.S. intellectuals' propaganda, American farmers are all farm owners living comfortably. However, the reality is that the normal operation of these farms requires a lot of loan funds to maintain. Each year, seeds, fertilizers, and machinery are major expenses. If the products can be sold, they can indeed make money. However, if they can't be sold, the creditors won't stop chasing them for repayment.

What's the Cost?

According to U.S. media statistics, the number of U.S. farmers applying for bankruptcy this year has doubled compared to last year. The biggest change is still Trump being elected president. As for his statement that part of the tariff revenue will be used to subsidize farmers, it is indeed a solution. Over the years, the U.S. government has frequently provided subsidies to farmers. However, the problem is that most of these tariff revenues are borne by U.S. consumers, and it's unclear whether the subsidies given to farmers can offset inflation.

Good Times for American Farmers Are Still Ahead

In short, under Trump's tariff policies, the U.S. economic system has already become chaotic. Apart from the U.S. government increasing its revenue, the Trump family and his wealthy friends have made a fortune. However, American businesses, farmers, and consumers of all sizes are paying the price. It seems similar to Trump's "Big Beautiful Act," which is cutting the grass of the poor to subsidize the wealthy. But there's nothing strange about this because capitalist countries operate this way by nature.

Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7554291903245484596/

Statement: This article represents the views of the author and welcomes your opinion by clicking on the 【top/down】 button below.