China’s slow buying of US farm goods tests US$17bil trade pledge
China’s slow purchases have raised doubts about a rise in imports this year, frustrating US farmers facing high fuel costs and giving Democrats an opportunity to win rural voters ahead of Tuesday’s midterm elections.
China is meeting its target for purchasing US soybeans, but its buying of other US farm goods is on track to be its lowest in seven years, according to a Reuters analysis of customs data. In the first nine months of the year, China spent $7.2 billion on US agricultural imports beyond soybeans, compared to the $17 billion pledge made in May.
This lag in purchases comes as US farmers face challenges such as high fuel prices and a drop in demand for other commodities, causing frustration among the farming community. The White House had announced in May that Beijing would commit to buying $17 billion worth of US agricultural goods annually, starting in 2026, with this year's target proportionally allocated.
While China meets its soybean target, it bought only $7.2 billion worth of other farm products from January to September, marking the lowest level of imports since 2019. The sluggish buying is deepening concerns about a surge in imports this year, affecting US farmers and the political landscape as Democrats seek to win over heartland voters.
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