At CIIE, U.S. soybean farmers and agribusinesses find new assurance in China...

by YANG Shuhongji

American soybean farmer Scott Gaffner viewed the eighth China International Import Expo (CIIE) as a key opportunity to rebuild trade ties with China.

Earlier this year, China's reduced soybean orders forced Gaffner to redirect his crops to other markets. With Chinese buyers returning, he said he felt reassured.

Despite geopolitical headwinds, U.S. companies remained the CIIE's largest national exhibitor for the seventh consecutive year, occupying more than 50,000 square meters. The U.S. Food and Agriculture Pavilion covered 350 square meters and featured exhibitors like Gaffner, whose 1,200-acre family farm in Illinois produces soybeans, corn, and wheat.

Shortly after the expo opened, Gaffner received an order from a Chinese company. Working across time zones, he and his brother coordinated the harvest and shipping schedule back home along the canal.

China remains one of Gaffner's most important Export markets. As the world's largest soybean consumer, China has long been a vital buyer for American farmers.

According to Chinese state media, Beijing halted U.S. soybean purchases earlier this year after Washington imposed higher tariffs on Chinese goods. China then diversified its import sources to safeguard food security. The resumption of trade at the CIIE came as bilateral economic relations began to stabilize.

On October 30, the Ministry of Commerce said during a press briefing on U.S.–China trade consultations in Kuala Lumpur that both sides had reached several consensuses, including measures to expand agricultural trade.

Soybeans have long been a cornerstone of U.S.–China commerce. Jim Sutter, chief executive of the U.S. Soybean Export Council, noted that his organization has been active in China for 43 years and that the partnership has proved mutually beneficial as China's economy has grown.

In 2024, U.S. soybean exports totaled about US$24.5 billion, with China accounting for more than US$12.5 billion.

Gaffner emphasized that China's demand remains essential for U.S. soybean growers and expressed optimism for continued cooperation.

Sutter said the U.S. soybean industry showcased innovations in quality and sustainability at this year's CIIE, reflecting Chinese consumers' growing preference for green, traceable food sources. He expected China's demand for U.S. soybeans to continue rising in the coming months.

Eric Zheng, president of AmCham Shanghai, said the U.S. Food and Agriculture Pavilion once again exceeded expectations. Beyond soybeans, smaller companies such as Idaho-based feed additive producer Dynamitesigned cooperation agreements with Chinese partners in livestock, aquaculture, and pet-related sectors.

Jeffrey Lehman, chair of AmCham Shanghai, said that the trade uncertainty over the past six months had posed major challenges for U.S. businesses, from market volatility to unstable trade rules. He added that recent agreements between the two governments had brought greater predictability for the year ahead.

Lehman also noted that despite lingering uncertainties, many U.S. companies remain committed to the Chinese market because of its size and long-term potential. He emphasized that cross-border cooperation remains essential and that maintaining a long-term perspective is key.