Donald TrumpXi JinpingWang YiJamieson GreerWhite HouseU.S. Department of Agriculture

China commits to $17 billion in annual U.S. agricultural purchases; Trump, GOP appeal to farmers amid rising prices linked to trade policies.

China has pledged to purchase at least $17 billion in U.S. agricultural products annually through 2028, a move celebrated by President Trump amid rising farmers' costs linked to trade policies. This agreement follows renewed imports of beef and poultry from the United States.

Politico+2 sources18 May 2026 · 02:02 UTC

China has committed to purchasing at least $17 billion of U.S. agricultural products annually through 2028, expanding trade ties amid escalating farmer discontent fueled by ongoing trade tensions and rising prices. This announcement, made during a meeting between President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, aims to bolster agricultural exports significantly, especially following a 65.7% decline in U.S. exports to China last year due to tariffs.145689

Chinese officials affirmed their plans to lift suspensions on U.S. beef facilities and resume poultry imports from states classified as free of avian influenza. Following these discussions, a U.S.-China Board of Trade and Board of Investment are to be established to address market access and tariff reduction, as stated by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.101213

Trump assured farmers that these deals will bring significant financial benefits, stating that, “The farmers are going to be very happy. They’re going to be buying millions of dollars.” The importance of American agricultural exports is highlighted by a White House official's comment that the agreements will provide farmers with unprecedented Chinese market access, signaling a potential turnaround in trade relations.23

China's renewed commitments, alongside its work to address trade barriers, could alleviate recent economic pressures on U.S. agriculture, as noted by U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, who anticipated a $10 billion commitment from China. The broader implications of these agreements coincide with legislative efforts concerning a farm bill aimed at bolstering investments in rural communities.7

Key Insight
“China has committed to purchasing at least $17 billion of U.S. agricultural products annually from 2026. This deal is part of a broader strategy to enhance trade relations and support farmers amid rising prices.”

Impact of tariffs on U.S.-China trade

Trade fell 65.7% year-on-year to $8.4 billion in 2025 after last year's rounds of tit-for-tat tariffs sharply curtailed trade, according to U.S. Department of Agriculture data.

U.S. farmers face uncertainty, even after Trump-Xi summit
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U.S. farmers face uncertainty, even after Trump-Xi summit

Additional updates on U.S.-China relations

China has renewed expired registrations for more than 400 U.S. beef facilities and added new listings, while working with U.S. regulators to lift suspensions on the remaining plants. China has resumed poultry imports from U.S. states that the U.S. Department of Agriculture determined are free of avian influenza. The country will also address restrictions on the sale of rare earth production and processing equipment and technologies. The world's two largest economies would establish a U.S.-China Board of Trade and the U.S.-China Board of Investment. The boards will resolve concerns over market access for agricultural products and expand trade 'under a reciprocal tariff-reduction framework,' Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said in a statement last week.

CuriousCats studied:
1
Politico
“China will purchase at least $17 billion in U.S. agricultural products annually through 2028, in addition to soybean commitments already agreed to, the White House said”
Politico →
2
The HillThe Hill
“The Trump administration and GOP lawmakers are seeking to , a core constituency for the president during his 2016 and 2024 White House wins that has been aggravated by rising prices caused by his trade policies and the Iran war.”
The Hill →
3
ReutersReuters
“China has committed to purchasing at least $17 billion of U.S. agricultural ​products in 2026, 2027 and 2028, the White House said in a fact sheet released on Sunday.”
Reuters →
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