Hello Soy Family,

It seems spring has sprung in parts of the country, and others are still hoping to see an end to the snow. As we near planting season, I hope your ground thaws quickly, and fields stay dry enough so no tractors or planters are stuck this year.

As we begin planting, I know growers all over the country are ready to see more business with China in the coming season. ASA continues to remind the Administration that a successful trade agreement must remove China’s 25 percent tariff on imports of U.S. soybeans.

Photo: (L to R) ASA President Davie Stephens, U.S. Ambassador to China Terry Brandstad, and USB Chair Keith Tapp met with industry leaders, long-term partners and U.S. soybean customers while in China.

Last week I had the honor to represent ASA on a mission to China with leaders from USSEC and USB to reinforce and strengthen our trade relationships with our Chinese customers.

In Beijing, our group met with industry leaders, long-term partners and other industry experts. In Shanghai, USSEC hosted Chinese partners at an event called Experience Today’s U.S. Soy Advantage. The U.S. Ambassador to China, Terry Brandstad, participated and delivered keynote comments.

While there, our mission was simple yet vitally important. We wanted to remind our Chinese customers about the long-term benefits to both our countries of maintaining a strong trading relationship.

Trade is the lifeblood of American agriculture, and ASA will continue to work with and encourage the Administration to rescind the Section 301 tariff in exchange for China dropping its tariff on U.S. soybeans in order to reopen the Chinese market, while also pursuing open and free trade agreements with other countries.

As we all make our way back to the fields for planting season, we each need to remember to be safe out there.  I wish you all a temperate spring and a Happy Easter!

Davie Stephens

President, American Soybean Association