In response to a 10% U.S. tariff on all Chinese imports implemented on Tuesday, China announced retaliatory tariffs. These include a 15% tariff on U.S. corn, wheat cotton and chicken. China also placed a 10% tariff on importing soybeans, sorghum, pork, beef aquatic products, vegetables, fruits and dairy.

CHS Inc., Louis Brefus Company Grains Merchandising LLC and EGT, LLC had their soybean export licenses revoked. The USDA said that Chinese customs detected ergot and soybeans with seed coating agents in imported American soybeans.

The USDA reported that 24 million metric tons (mmt) of soybeans were exported to China in 2024. Soybeans account for the largest volume of agricultural products exported to China. These exports are valued at $12.76 billion. In total, China is the U.S. agriculture’s third-largest export market at $24.7 billion.

National Corn Growers Association President Kenneth Hartman Jr. asked President Trump to quickly negotiate agreements with Mexico, Canada and China that will benefit American farmers. They already face economic difficulties due to rising input costs and declining corn prices.

Farmers Union President Rob Larew said trade policies must have real, tangible protections for the affected farmers. Without a clear plan, farmers will be forced to bear the burden of decisions beyond their control.

Read more about the Chinese response to U.S. tariffs here.