Overview
- Reuters reported that state-owned COFCO purchased three U.S. soybean cargoes, marking China's first buys this year ahead of Thursday's Trump–Xi summit in South Korea.
- Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said a negotiating framework was reached with Chinese counterparts that could pave the way for a trade deal potentially addressing soybeans.
- Soybean futures reached a 15‑month high this week as traders reacted to the tentative framework and initial Chinese purchases.
- Farmers describe significant financial strain from China’s 2025 pullback, with one Indiana producer estimating losses near $100 per acre and many beans sitting in storage.
- Forbes reported that a federal government shutdown has stalled a proposed bailout for soybean farmers, leaving relief uncertain pending progress in talks.