ASA President Metzger Addresses Trade Concerns Impacting US Soybean Producers

Soybean farmers still recovering from trade war with China as new tariffs loom

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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At the Commodity Classic in San Antonio, American Soybean Association President Scott Metzger discussed the ongoing challenges facing US soybean producers, including the lingering impacts of the trade war with China and the uncertainty caused by new tariffs imposed by President Trump.

Why it matters

Soybean is a major US agricultural export, and disruptions to trade relationships and new tariffs have put significant financial strain on American soybean farmers. Metzger's comments highlight the industry's continued efforts to recover and find new domestic and international markets for their crop.

The details

Metzger expressed cautious optimism about the renewed trade relationship with China, noting that China purchased 12 million metric tons of US soybeans this year, roughly half of normal levels. However, he said the focus is also on expanding the domestic use of soybeans, including through increased biodiesel production, which he sees as a 'step in the right direction' to offset the loss of Chinese purchases.

  • In 2025, there was a seven-month period where China bought no US soybeans.
  • In 2026, China purchased 12 million metric tons of US soybeans.

The players

Scott Metzger

President of the American Soybean Association.

President Trump

Imposed new tariffs that have added to the uncertainty facing US soybean producers.

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What they’re saying

“We were pleased with the Supreme Court's decision because with the IEEPA (International Emergency Economic Powers Act) tariffs, those were coming back to hurt us. [Those tariffs] were putting more money on our inputs—and already in a time when we're in a super-tight margin economy at the farm. We were not real happy that [President Trump] came back and introduced another 10-15 percent round of tariffs. We're hoping we can work through that and get through it.”

— Scott Metzger, President, American Soybean Association (Hoosier Ag Today)

“We were pleased with that. Obviously, 12 million metric tons is roughly half of where we're normally at. It's a good starting point. We'll be a lot better when we see beans on the boat going over there.”

— Scott Metzger, President, American Soybean Association (Hoosier Ag Today)

“Biofuels are one of our top priorities this year. We were glad to see 45Z get into place. It's not final yet, but we got the first step of it done. The next big step is going to be getting the RV's, coming out. I think that sounds like probably we'll see that around March 15—when they're supposed to come out. So, those two things are going to help with domestic crush, domestic oil, and it's going to use some of our bushels up. Obviously, it's does not replace the total amount that China was buying, but it is a step in the right direction.”

— Scott Metzger, President, American Soybean Association (Hoosier Ag Today)

What’s next

The Biden administration is expected to make a decision on the RV biofuel mandate around March 15, 2026, which could further boost domestic demand for US soybeans.

The takeaway

US soybean producers are navigating a complex trade landscape, facing the lingering impacts of the US-China trade war and new tariff uncertainty, while also seeking to expand domestic markets through initiatives like increased biodiesel production. Industry leaders like ASA President Metzger are working to chart a path forward for the sector.