China Reopens Market for U.S. Soybeans and Logs After Trade Talks

China announced on Friday that it will reopen soybean import licenses for three U.S. exporters and lift its suspension on U.S. log imports beginning November 10, according to a statement from its customs authority. The move reflects a cautious improvement in trade ties between the two countries.

The restored licenses will allow CHS, Louis Dreyfus Company Grains Merchandising, and EGT to resume soybean shipments. Beijing suspended their permits in March when trade tensions between the U.S. and China escalated.

The log import suspension was introduced after President Donald Trump ordered an investigation into lumber shipments on March 1. Friday’s announcement effectively removes that restriction.

Market confidence picked up earlier this week after Trump met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in South Korea. Both leaders signaled they were open to dialogue on trade, calming fears that negotiations might collapse.

Following the meeting, China reduced duties on several U.S. farm goods imposed in March and began limited purchases of American crops, including two cargoes of U.S. wheat.
The state-owned grain trader COFCO also booked three soybean shipments from the U.S. shortly before the leaders met.

Even so, a 10% tariff on all U.S. imports — including agricultural products — remains in place. The tax continues to limit trade volumes, but Friday’s steps suggest both governments are testing a gradual path toward normalization.

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