Xi Jinping took this step after US tariffs, Trump said – China is deliberately harassing

News Topical, Digital Desk : US President Donald Trump on Tuesday leveled serious allegations against China, saying it is deliberately not buying from American soybean farmers.

Calling it economic hostility, Trump has threatened to end edible oil and other trade relations with China. "We can easily make edible oil ourselves, we don't need China for that," Trump said on his social media platform, Truth Social.

This statement comes at a time when soybean harvest has already begun in the US, but China hasn't made a single purchase this time, leading to falling prices and farmers facing hardship.

China was once a major trader of American soybeans

China is now buying soybeans from South America. However, it was previously the largest buyer of American soybeans. In September alone, it purchased 2 million tons of soybeans from Argentina. This move is seen as a response to new tariffs imposed by the Trump administration.

American farmers face increasing difficulties

The United States exports 61% of the world's soybeans. Last year, China purchased soybeans worth ₹1.05 trillion. This year, the import ban has forced Midwest farmers to stockpile their crops, as market prices are falling.

Trump's tariffs have raised the cost of fertilizer and equipment, reducing farmers' profits. This strategy is being linked to China's previous strategy of banning rare earth exports to exert pressure in the trade war. Now, soybeans have become the new weapon in the game.

Is this limited to just soybeans?

This dispute isn't limited to soybeans. China's strategy is similar to its previous strategy, when it used rare minerals as a weapon in trade wars. Soybeans may not be as valuable as rare minerals, but they are essential to China's pork and poultry industries. Nevertheless, China's strategy of pressuring the United States by increasing imports from South America has sent a clear message to Trump.

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