‘Economically Hostile Act’: Trump Threatens Trade Cuts After China’s Soybean Snub

Queen Anne, Maryland — American soybean farmers are facing turmoil as President Donald Trump accused China of deliberately halting purchases of U.S. soybeans, labeling the move an “economically hostile act.” The president made his remarks on Tuesday, October 15, 2025, as he threatened to sever trade ties over cooking oil and other goods in retaliation for Beijing’s actions.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump stated, “China purposefully not buying our soybeans is causing difficulty for our Soybean Farmers.” He pointed out that the U.S. could easily produce cooking oil without relying on imports from China.

China has been a major buyer of U.S. soybeans, importing approximately 27 million metric tons valued at nearly $12.8 billion in 2024. However, according to reports, it has not booked a single soybean shipment from America since May, leading to a significant drop in prices and increasing anxiety among farmers.

Caleb Ragland, president of the American Soybean Association, described the current situation as “overwhelming,” warning that without a change by December, critical markets could vanish. Farmers across the Midwest are feeling the weight of this trade conflict as many hesitate to sell soybeans amid fears of losing even more market access.

“The soybean market might be a bloodbath,” said Morey Hill, an Iowa grower, as futures markets continue to decline. Farmers are now more inclined to hold onto their crops, hoping for a breakthrough in negotiations with China.

This recent fallout aligns with Trump’s renewed tariffs on Chinese goods, creating a deeper trade standoff that is pushing up costs for fertilizers and equipment, affecting the livelihoods of farmers like Dean Buchholz, who expressed his frustration, saying, “I can’t make it work.”

Analysts have raised concerns over China’s pivot from U.S. soybeans to sourcing from South America, with reports showing China imported 2 million tons from Argentina last month alone. With Brazil’s harvest approaching, American exports face a shrinking window of opportunity.

Trump’s social media comments have sparked volatility in the markets, with stock indices reacting sharply to hints of escalating trade tensions. As farmers brace for potential continued fallout, the future of U.S. soybean exports hangs in the balance.