American soybean farmers adjust to fluctuations in Chinese demand by shifting focus to new markets and biofuels

Foreign media: U.S. soybean farmers, concerned about shrinking Chinese demand, are turning to new buyers and the biofuel market for alternative outlets.

According to Scott Gerlt, chief economist of the U.S. Soybean Association, despite Beijing's commitment in November 2025 to purchase at least 25 million metric tons of U.S. soybeans annually through 2028, actual shipments to China last season totaled only slightly over 12 million metric tons—less than half of previous levels.

To make up the shortfall, farmers are increasing exports to third countries while also capitalizing on rising demand from the U.S. biofuel industry. The association represents more than 500,000 growers across 83.6 million acres of farmland. Gerlt stated that through these adjustments, overall soybean production has declined only slightly, and producers have largely adapted to the shifting trade landscape.

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1873406813155328/

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