Trump Picks a Fight with ANOTHER Big Ag Importer

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🇺🇸🌎 U.S.–Colombia Tensions Escalate

President Trump announced new aid cuts and potential tariffs against Colombia, accusing President Gustavo Petro of failing to curb drug production. Colombia — a longtime U.S. ally — received $230 million in aid last year, down from more than $700 million in earlier years. The country pulled its ambassador from D.C. but has not announced any economic retaliation. Since Colombia accounted for 11% of U.S. corn exports (≈2% of total demand), these tensions could carry real ag-trade implications. 🌽 See chart below.

🇨🇳🚫 China Stops Buying U.S. Soybeans

For the first time since 2018, China imported zero U.S. soybeans in September. A year ago, the figure was 1.7 mmt. Meanwhile, Brazil’s shipments to China jumped 30%, and Argentina’s surged 92%. Total Chinese soybean imports hit 12.9 mmt — the second-highest monthly total on record. Without a trade deal, China may face a supply gap early next year before Brazil’s new-crop harvest. 🌱

📦 Weekly Export Inspections

USDA reported:

• Soybeans – 1.5 mmt (+45% vs week prior)

• Corn – 1.3 mmt (+9%)

• Wheat – 480,614 mt (+7%)

Top soybean destinations: Mexico, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Germany.

See charts below for the full breakdown. 📊

🇧🇷🌦️ Brazil Planting Progress

AgRural says 24% of Brazil’s soybean crop is planted (up from 14% last week and 18% last year). First-crop corn planting is 51% complete. Conab projects soybean output at 177.6 mmt (+3.6% YoY) and corn at 138.6 mmt (-1.8% YoY). See Brazil & Argentina weather maps from CropProphet below. 🌾

🥩 Argentina Beef Imports?

Trump says he’s considering increased Argentine beef imports to ease U.S. prices and support Argentina’s economy. But Argentina supplies only 2% of U.S. beef imports — even if the U.S. bought its entire export capacity (770,000 mt), price effects would be minimal. Foot-and-mouth disease risks make this a controversial proposal. 🐄