US Soybean prices plunge amid China trade freeze

October 13, 2025 (MLN): American soybean farmers are struggling as the trade impasse with China drags on, leaving prices sharply depressed and harvests at risk.

With China halting orders from the US autumn harvest, soybean exports once a major source of income have fallen by over 50% in value this year, reported by APP.

The trade conflict, sparked by President Donald Trump's tariffs, has made US soybeans more expensive for Chinese buyers, while South American competitors and countries like Argentina, which recently suspended export taxes, have become more attractive. Prices are now down about 40% compared to three years ago.

Despite Trump’s promises to support farmers through tariff revenues, details remain unclear, and prospects for a long-term trade deal appear distant.

The American Soybean Association (ASA) warns that the situation is worsening, particularly in Midwestern states reliant on exports to China via the Pacific Northwest.

Farmers, including those in Maryland, say government bailouts are a temporary “band-aid” and stress that establishing reliable trading partners is crucial for their long term survival.

With China’s purchasing window usually running from October to January, many predict 2025 will be a very difficult year, with significant portions of farmland likely breaking even or operating at a loss.

ASA officials note that current conditions are harsher than the 2018 trade war, as farmers face higher costs for fertilizers, equipment, and repair parts while crop revenues remain low.

US farm bankruptcies have surged approximately 50% compared to 2024.

“This year’s going to be a very, very tough year,” said farmer David Burrier from Maryland. The ongoing trade conflict continues to cast uncertainty over the future of US soybean exports and the financial stability of American farmers.

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