Story perspectives

China's New Fees Ignite Tensions Ahead of Xi-Trump Talks

10/11/2025

Center

China Imposes Shipping Fees

China will impose phased fees on US-linked vessels starting next Tuesday, matching charges from the U.S. Trade Representative.
The move follows Beijing's restrictions on rare earth exports and its avoidance of American soybeans.
President Trump pressures China before a meeting with Xi Jinping, threatening to halt imports and reopen the U.S. market to farmers.
Vietnam is negotiating tariffs on its imports as the U.S. seeks to redirect soybean exports.

Left

Farmers Urge Trade Deal

The American Soybean Association urges the Trump administration to secure a trade deal, citing China halting purchases.
Matt Purfeerst, a Minnesota farmer, says prices are volatile, ranging from $9 to $12 per bushel.
Governor Tim Walz declared October as soybean week to highlight industry struggles.
Farmers prefer an open market to bailouts and seek long-term solutions to restore trade and address rising input costs amid the trade war.

History

Historical Context

The Sino-American Trade War began in 2018 when the U.S. imposed tariffs on $250 billion of Chinese goods, triggering retaliatory tariffs from China. By 2018, U.S. agricultural exports to China plummeted to $9.1 billion, down from $19.4 billion in 2017. This conflict has significantly disrupted agricultural markets, particularly impacting soybean farmers, who faced losses of approximately $24 billion in exports.

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China Imposes Shipping Fees

China will impose phased fees on US-linked vessels starting next Tuesday, matching charges from the U.S. Trade Representative.
The move follows Beijing's restrictions on rare earth exports and its avoidance of American soybeans.
President Trump pressures China before a meeting with Xi Jinping, threatening to halt imports and reopen the U.S. market to farmers.
Vietnam is negotiating tariffs on its imports as the U.S. seeks to redirect soybean exports.

1 / 3