Grassley Urges Quick Solution as Farmers Lose Chinese Soybean Market

By Andi Anderson

Iowa Sen. Chuck Grassley is pushing for a swift solution to support U.S. farmers after China shifted away from American soybeans.

Historically the largest foreign buyer of U.S. soybeans, China turned to Argentina after imposing retaliatory tariffs in response to the Trump administration’s trade measures.

Recent reports indicated that China purchased 1.3 million tons of soybeans from Argentina the same week the U.S. announced a $20 billion bailout package with the South American country. Grassley said the timing of the move coincided with Argentina lowering export taxes, making its soybeans cheaper for China.

“You can’t blame China for jumping in to save their own money and get their own products cheaper,” Grassley said during a call with reporters.

Grassley said he has spoken with U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, who is exploring ways to help farmers without seeking direct funding from Congress. One option being considered is using tariff revenue to provide farmer support, though no plan has been finalized.

The senator compared current challenges to the 1980s farm crisis, when market losses left farmers struggling. He stressed that farmers prefer earning income from strong global markets rather than federal relief programs. “I want the bottom line to be that farmers don’t want to get money from the federal treasury, they want to get it from the market,” he said.

Leaders within the Iowa Soybean Association voiced frustration over the federal government’s aid to Argentina. President Tom Adam called the move “poorly timed and inexcusable,” saying it empowered competitors while U.S. farmers face ongoing financial strain.

Senior director Grant Kimberly added that China’s purchases from Argentina could sustain demand until Brazil’s soybean harvest begins in January.

Grassley said the most effective solution is to quickly reach a trade settlement with China to reopen U.S. market access. The senator emphasized that restoring export opportunities, not bailouts, would provide farmers with long-term stability and confidence.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-zoran-zeremski