China resumes US soybean purchases under trade deal with Trump, but future for farmers remains ‘daunting’

China has resumed purchasing U.S. soybeans under a trade agreement with the Trump administration, leading to a 57% increase in exports to China from January through March compared to the previous year. However, U.S. soybean exports to China remain below pre-trade war levels, with China accounting for less than 30% of U.S. soybean exports from September 2025 to March 2026. USDA data indicates China has committed to purchasing 25 million metric tons annually through 2028, but uncertainty persists about whether these targets will be met.