Xi To Trump On Soybean Nutrition Claim: Is That Real Or Just A Trump Statement?
Trump claims Xi questioned if US soybeans being more nutritious was a Trump statement or real.
During a White House roundtable on December 8, U.S. President Donald Trump revealed that Chinese President Xi Jinping appeared unsure when he touted the nutritional superiority of American soybeans. Speaking to Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, and several farmers, Trump recounted their October 30 meeting in Busan, South Korea, highlighting Xi’s reaction to his claim.
Trump explained that he had promoted U.S. soybeans as “more nutritious than competitors” to boost American agricultural exports. According to the President, Xi responded with skepticism, asking, “Is that a Trump statement or is that real?” He added that Xi seemed genuinely unfamiliar with the assertion, saying, “Really? I had never heard of it.”
Despite Xi’s apparent doubt, trade between the two nations has continued to progress. China has increased its soybean purchases after Trump agreed to reduce tariffs on Chinese imports from 57 percent to 47 percent, as Beijing agreed to cooperate on the ongoing fentanyl crisis. Reuters reported that at least 840,000 metric tons of soybeans have been purchased for delivery in December and January since the Busan meeting.
Also Read: Netanyahu Rejects Isolation Claims, Highlighting PM Modi, Trump and Putin as Diplomatic Partners
Trump also stated that China has committed to buying over $40 billion worth of soybeans, adding that he asked Xi if the figure could be exceeded. “And I think he will,” Trump said, underscoring his confidence in ongoing trade relations despite the earlier skepticism.
The President’s remarks came alongside an announcement of a $12 billion farm aid package aimed at supporting U.S. farmers affected by trade tensions and economic pressures. The aid comes amid growing dissatisfaction with Trump’s economic policies, particularly regarding tariffs and rising living costs, which have been a source of political debate.
Notably, Trump appeared to slightly soften his stance on affordability issues, acknowledging a “problem” in recent remarks after weeks of dismissing concerns as a “hoax” propagated by Democrats. “The Democrats caused the affordability problem and we’re fixing it,” he said, seeking to reassure both farmers and consumers amid economic uncertainty.
Also Read: IREF Rejects Trump’s Rice Dumping Allegations, Highlights Market-Driven US Exports
