China demand brightens US farm outlook

Soybean, corn sales expected to rise, adding to confidence in trade deal

As the harvests begin for soybean and corn in the United States, experts are optimistic that China will step up its purchases of the two grains and other agricultural products－spelling good news for US farmers in the new crop year.

China has been ramping up its corn and soybean purchases from the US in recent weeks for delivery in the new marketing year, which began on Sept 1.

For the 2021 fiscal year that begins on Oct 1, the US Department of Agriculture, or USDA, estimates agricultural exports will reach $140.5 billion, an increase of $5.5 billion over the previous fiscal year. Of that increase, $4.5 billion is projected to come from exports to China, due to expected higher soybean and corn sales.