Beijing buys US wheat and sorghum after talks and suspensions lifted for three major U.S. firms
China has restarted limited imports of U.S. farm products following a recent meeting between the two nations’ leaders, marking a cautious step toward rebuilding agricultural trade ties.
According to Reuters, Chinese buyers have booked two cargoes of U.S. wheat totaling about 120,000 tons for December shipment. The deals include one load of soft white wheat and one of spring wheat, reflecting early signs of renewed confidence in the U.S.–China trade relationship.
“‘I know after the meeting, one shipment of sorghum has been loaded and is coming over,’ Wilson told Reuters on the sidelines of the China International Import Expo in Shanghai, adding that he did not know the size of the shipment,” said Mark Wilson, chairman of the U.S. Grains and BioProducts Council. “I hope that we can get back to normal on sorghum because that’s the number one thing. Before, 95% of the (U.S. sorghum) export market from the U.S. came to China, so we need to get that going again. That’s what I hope happens.”
These agricultural purchases follow Beijing’s announcement to suspend retaliatory tariffs on certain U.S. imports, including farm goods. However, U.S. soybeans still face a 13% tariff, keeping the market cautious.
Adding to the progress, China’s customs authority lifted import suspensions for three major U.S. firms — CHS, Louis Dreyfus Company Grains Merchandising, and EGT — effective November 10. The move restores their eligibility to export soybeans to China, a significant market development.
While traders await larger soybean deals promised by Beijing, the recent transactions signal an improving trade environment and potential relief for U.S. farmers seeking to expand exports to their top market.
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