January 10, 2025

USSEC: US-China forum continues new chapter of agricultural exchanges between both countries

The US Soybean Export Council (USSEC), the US Grains Council (USGC), and the China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Foodstuffs, Native Produce and Animal By-Products (CFNA) last year hosted the US-China Agricultural Trade Cooperation Forum during the 7th China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai, China.

A US Agricultural Trade Delegation to China participated in the event to promote open communication and enhance cooperation in agricultural trade and economy between China and the United States.

Leaders of major agricultural associations — including USSEC, USGC, US Wheat Associates (USW), U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF), U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC), US Poultry & Egg Export Council (USAPEEC) and others — the US Ambassador to China, leaders of the relevant departments of the Chinese and US governments, heads of China's agricultural trade associations and enterprises, as well as experts and scholars in the trade of agricultural products from the US and China were invited to discuss the consolidation and expansion of agricultural trade between both countries.

China and the US have a strong complementary relationship in agriculture, especially as it relates to cooperation in soy trade, USSEC said. According to the Agricultural Projections report, published by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), it is expected that by marketing year (MY) 2033/34, the US is expected to increase soybean exports to 58.1 million tonnes, an increase of 10.9% compared with MY 2024/25, and China's total imports of soybeans will continue to grow in the next 10 years, from 104.1 million tonnes to 138.3 million tonnes.

Jim Sutter, USSEC's chief executive officer, said: "Throughout history, agriculture has been a driver of strong international relations, and an example to other industries. US Soy, together with many other grains and commodity groups, has a rich legacy of positive trade relations with China. And China is a critically important trading partner for US Soy and I'm optimistic that the strength of our relationship will remain and continue to evolve and grow."

- USSEC