Summary
Total agricultural trade between China and the US fell to US$26.8 billion in 2025, down 32.8% year-on-year. On 13 May 2026,
the two sides held economic and trade consultations in South Korea, setting guiding targets to expand bilateral agricultural trade and agreeing in principle to include relevant products in a reciprocal tariff reduction framework.
Commentary
The slump in China-US agricultural trade follows ongoing trade frictions. Recent consultations have set expansion targets and agreed in principle on reciprocal tariff cuts. For New Zealand's small and medium-sized enterprises, the earlier trade war prompted China to increase purchases of NZ dairy and meat products.
If large volumes of US agricultural commodities return to the market, price competition will intensify. However, NZ's differentiated product categories such as grass-fed, organic, and infant formula still maintain barriers. It is recommended to accelerate entry into China's second- and third-tier city retail channels and strengthen provenance branding.
Meanwhile, tariff cuts on US corn and soybeans may lower feed costs for livestock, allowing importers to optimise supply chains. Close attention should be paid to access negotiations for US beef and whey powder, and exporters should adjust product mix in a timely manner to avoid homogeneous low-price competition.
Keywords: China-US agricultural trade, total trade volume, economic and trade consultations, reciprocal tariff reductions, trade frictions, agricultural cooperation, imports and exports
Source: Baidu Baike
Disclaimer: This article is compiled from publicly available sources for general information only. The analysis and commentary are editorial opinions. MiDeer Observer does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information provided. Readers should seek independent professional advice before relying on this content, or contact us for more information.
