CAPTS Expert Quoted in Farm Journal’s AgWeb: “China’s Trade War Playbook Keeps U.S. Soybeans Sidelined”

A recent Farm Journal’s AgWeb article titled “China’s Trade War Playbook Keeps U.S. Soybeans Sidelined” features expert commentary from Dr. Sandro Steinbach, Director of the Center for Agricultural Policy and Trade Studies (CAPTS) at North Dakota State University.

The article examines how China’s evolving trade strategy continues to shape global soybean markets and constrain U.S. export competitiveness. Dr. Steinbach provided insight into how political strategy, rather than market economics, is influencing China’s current soybean purchasing decisions.

Key insights from the article include:

• China’s soybean imports are now dominated by Brazil, which supplies about 93% of China’s total soybean demand.

• Beijing’s decision to limit purchases from the United States is driven more by politics than economics, as the country seeks to reduce dependence and enhance strategic leverage.

• China is testing feed policy changes aimed at lowering the share of soybean meal in livestock rations, an approach that could reduce imports but also affect feed efficiency and productivity.

Reflecting on these developments, Dr. Steinbach explained that China’s actions illustrate a broader shift toward greater control and self-sufficiency in agricultural trade, signaling long-term challenges for U.S. exporters.

Read the full AgWeb article: https://www.agweb.com/news/crops/soybeans/chinas-trade-war-playbook-keeps-u-s-soybeans-sidelined

Media Contact:

Dr. Sandro Steinbach – sandro.steinbach@ndsu.edu

Center for Agricultural Policy and Trade Studies (CAPTS)North Dakota State University www.ndsu.edu/agriculture/capts