world-economy

U.S. Grain Farmers Pin Trade Deal Hopes on Trump China Visit

American grain farmers are closely watching President Trump's state visit to China, seeking a finalized trade agreement after years of tariff-driven losses. Farmers across the heartland have struggled with inflation and flat commodity prices, compounded by reduced Chinese demand for soybeans. North Dakota's grain operations historically shipped half their soybean production to China, but faced severe disruptions after tariffs were imposed last year. One grain elevator operator reported storing 2 million bushels of unmarketable soybeans. Though China agreed late last year to resume purchases of approximately 11 million metric tons of American soybeans, no binding agreement exists. The White House has pledged to increase that commitment to 25 million metric tons, but farmers remain anxious for a signed deal.