Tensions surrounding Trump’s tariffs are beginning to ease as China resumes imports of American agricultural goods for the first time in months. The move comes just days before the much-anticipated Trump–Xi meeting, signaling a potential thaw in trade relations between the world’s two largest economies.

According to Reuters, China’s state-owned grain giant COFCO has purchased three cargo shipments totaling 180,000 metric tons of U.S. soybeans — the first imports from this year’s American harvest. Analysts see the move as a symbolic gesture of goodwill as both nations prepare for high-level talks.

The purchase brought relief to U.S. farmers, who have endured billions in losses since the start of the trade conflict. Following the announcement, Chicago soybean futures surged to a 15-month high, recovering from multi-year lows.

“This is the first real sign of movement,” said a Shanghai-based commodities analyst. “Although the volume is modest, it suggests Beijing is testing the waters for renewed cooperation ahead of the summit.”

Still, experts caution that large-scale Chinese buying is unlikely in the short term, as the country has already secured most of its near-term soybean supply from South America.

The development follows a meeting between U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng in Kuala Lumpur, where both sides reportedly agreed on key principles for de-escalation.

U.S. and South Korea Finalize a New Trade Pact

While China reopens to U.S. soybeans, Washington achieved another diplomatic milestone by sealing a long-delayed trade and investment deal with South Korea.

During the APEC summit, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung confirmed the agreement, which includes major tariff reductions and new investment commitments. Under the revised deal, the United States will cut import tariffs on Korean goods from 25% to 15%, while South Korea will invest up to $20 billion annually in American industries such as shipbuilding and infrastructure.

The agreement also outlines $150 billion in long-term investments in U.S. projects, with profits shared equally between both countries until the initial capital and interest are fully repaid.

“This deal ensures a more balanced partnership,” said Kim Yong-beom, the South Korean president’s chief of staff. “Each stage will be monitored by a joint management team to maintain transparency and accountability.”

This breakthrough comes after months of tension, following Trump’s earlier decision to impose 25% tariffs on selected Korean imports — a move that temporarily rattled global markets and drew criticism from regional allies.

As the United States prepares for the upcoming Trump–Xi summit, the combination of renewed Chinese soybean purchases and the U.S.–Korea trade accord marks a notable shift in Trump’s economic diplomacy. Global markets are reacting with cautious optimism as investors watch to see whether these gestures can lead to a lasting reduction in trade tensions.

#TrumpTariffs , #economy , #Geopolitics , #china , #TRUMP

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