China Reduced Tariffs on US Agricultural Goods

The move excludes soybeans while a new trade council seeks to foster stable economic relations.

Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Agriculture

Bold flat-color editorial illustration showing a shipping container and a pile of corn kernels, representing international agricultural trade policy. — China has begun reducing tariffs on $17 billion worth of US agricultural products, although US soybean exports remain excluded from the new policy. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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China has released a list of US agricultural products receiving tariff reductions, with the goods totaling USD 17 billion in 2024 trade value. However, the policy continues to exclude US soybeans, which remain subject to an additional 10 per cent tariff.

Why it matters

The decision follows the establishment of a US-China trade council intended to stabilize economic ties and negotiate reciprocal cuts on USD 30 billion of goods. This effort aligns with a broader White House initiative aiming for USD 25 billion in annual agricultural purchases by China through 2028.

The list of tariff-cut goods covers USD 17 billion in 2024 trade volume, while US soybeans continue to face a 10 per cent surcharge. Chinese state-owned companies have already purchased 12 million metric tonnes of US soybeans toward long-term targets.

The players

Xi Jinping

He serves as the President of China and lead representative for the country's economic and trade negotiations.

White House

This is the executive office of the President of the United States responsible for setting national trade policy.

The details

China and the United States formed a trade council to facilitate reciprocal tariff reductions, targeting USD 30 billion of combined goods. The US has presented a list of 77 items for potential inclusion in future tariff adjustments.

May 2026: The White House announced the annual purchase commitment for China.
September 23-25, 2026: President Xi Jinping visited the United States.
September 28, 2026: China officially announced the tariff cuts for agricultural imports.
Through 2028: The target period for meeting the USD 25 billion annual purchase goal.

Market Landscape

This policy adjustment signals a pivot toward bilateral economic stabilization, contrasting with recent years of volatile trade barriers. It positions both nations to negotiate within the framework of their newly formed trade council to secure long-term market access.

The exclusion of soybeans from these cuts means domestic market pricing for the commodity may remain influenced by the existing 10 per cent tariff. Consumers and businesses should monitor the trade council's progress, as further list expansions could impact agricultural import costs.

The takeaway

The formation of a dedicated trade council suggests a preference for managed negotiations over unilateral tariff hikes. Stakeholders should view these developments as a preliminary step toward hitting larger trade volume targets by 2028.