Overview
- Reuters reports the administration could announce a package as soon as this week with an initial outlay of $10 billion to $15 billion, and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told CNBC farmers should expect news Tuesday.
- USDA data show China has not booked any U.S. soybeans for the 2025–26 season, and farm leaders report prices down more than $1 per bushel with local elevators struggling.
- Funding remains uncertain as direct-payment authority is capped at about $350 million and the USDA’s Commodity Credit Corporation has not been refilled during the federal shutdown.
- China has redirected soybean purchases to Brazil and Argentina, including millions of tons from Argentina during a tax holiday, raising concerns about lasting U.S. market-share losses.
- The White House says tariff revenue would finance relief and officials are courting buyers in Africa and Asia, while farmers face higher input and transport costs and warn any bailout would be only a short-term bridge.