U.S. farmers have paid a steep price during Washington’s months-long trade war with Beijing, losing almost two-thirds of their exports to China. Now, however, there is hope as trade talks—with U.S. agriculture squarely in the center—seem to be closing in on a deal.
But even if an agreement comes to fruition, changes in the world agriculture market may mean that those farmers will still lose out.
This week, President Donald Trump demanded China buy up to $50 billion in U.S. agricultural products annually, and China reacted with reluctance, arguing that it would be better to allow market forces to dictate purchases after tariffs are eased.
