(Photo: Iowa Soybean Association / file photo)
Iowa Soybean Farmers Encouraged by Tangible Progress with China
October 30, 2025 | Brock Johnston
Ankeny, Iowa – The Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) welcomes the Trump administration’s latest action to prioritize Iowa farmers in today’s announcement regarding U.S.-China trade. Following months of uncertainty around Chinese purchases of U.S. soybeans and other agricultural products, this positive development is encouraging news for Iowa farmers who rely on open market access to drive soybean demand.
“Today’s announcement addresses many of the concerns around market access to China following months of stalled purchases and uncertainty,” said Tom Adam, ISA president and soybean farmer from Harper. “This is great news for American agriculture and for soybean farmers who have been eager to reestablish a stable and long-term relationship that positions us for success moving forward. We are very grateful to President Trump for making soybeans a priority in negotiations with China.”
While details are still emerging, ISA understands that today’s announcement, if enacted and followed, includes minimum purchase commitments of 12 million metric tons, or roughly 441 million bushels, of U.S. soybeans for the remainder of this marketing year and a minimum of 25 million metric tons, or 918.5 million bushels, annually through 2028. ISA, alongside fellow state and national soybean organizations, is encouraged that these commitments are framed as minimums and looks forward to continued growth in soybean purchases beyond these levels. China purchased 22.9 million metric tons, or 841 million bushels, of U.S. soybeans during the 2024-25 marketing year. Excluding the last two years, China has historically purchased 28 to 36 million metric tons of U.S. soybeans annually over the last 10 years.
Looking ahead, ISA continues to work with the administration and Iowa's Congressional delegation to ensure today's positive developments lead to lasting market stability and stronger opportunities for Iowa soybean farmers. This includes growing domestic demand by finalizing the EPA's proposed 2026 Renewable Fuel Obligations, diversifying international demand through new trade partnerships and more.
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The Iowa Soybean Association is Driven To Deliver market demand, production research, information and insights and regulatory action benefiting Iowa's 37,000 soybean farmers and the industry. For more information, visit iasoybeans.com.
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