China Meets US Soybean Purchase Pledge Following Trade Truce

Commitment Fulfilled Ahead of Schedule

China has successfully purchased approximately 12 million metric tons of US soybeans, meeting a key commitment established during a trade truce in late October 2025. This achievement comes ahead of the original deadline, which was set for the end of February. The purchases mark a significant development in agricultural trade relations between the two nations.

Key Players in the Purchases

The bulk of these recent soybean acquisitions were made by China's state-owned enterprises, specifically Sinograin and COFCO. These entities played a crucial role in reaching the pledged volume. In contrast, private Chinese crushers largely continued to source cheaper soybean supplies from South American countries like Argentina and Brazil.

Context of the Trade Truce

The commitment to purchase US soybeans followed a period of strained trade relations and reduced imports. Prior to the late-October 2025 trade truce, China had significantly curtailed its imports of US soybeans, leading to a decrease in the US market share within China. The resumption of substantial purchases signals a step towards stabilizing agricultural trade between the two economic powers.

Shipment and Future Outlook

The 12 million metric tons of US soybeans are scheduled for shipment between December and May. A considerable portion of these cargoes is anticipated to be directed towards China's national strategic reserves. Looking ahead, the White House has indicated that China also agreed to further annual purchases of at least 25 million metric tons of US soybeans over the next three years, commencing in 2026. U.S. Trade Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed the fulfillment of the current pledge, stating that his Chinese counterpart, Vice Premier He Lifeng, relayed the completion of the soybean purchases during a meeting at the World Economic Forum in Davos.