China trade, input costs, farm bill among priorities for ASA this spring 

By Blair Shipp, American Soybean Association 

The American Soybean Association (ASA) has remained active in Washington, D.C., throughout the winter, continuing to advocate for policies that support soybean farmers and strengthen the U.S. soy industry. In recent weeks, ASA leaders have been engaged with Congress, the administration and federal agencies on a range of issues including trade, input costs, biofuels policy and completion of the farm bill as work continues on priorities important to farmers ahead of the 2026 planting season. 

Trade with China remains one of the most important issues for U.S. soybean farmers, and ASA recently urged President Donald Trump to prioritize soybeans in upcoming trade discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping. In a letter to the White House, ASA called for additional purchases of U.S. soybeans and the removal of the remaining retaliatory tariff on U.S. imports into China, noting that predictable trade with the United States’ largest customer is critical to the farm economy. 

China continues to be the largest export market for U.S. soybeans. In the 2024 to 2025 marketing year, U.S. farmers shipped more than 22 million metric tons to China, representing nearly $10 billion in sales. Historically, China imports between 25 million and 30 million metric tons of U.S. soybeans each year. 

ASA leaders have stressed that maintaining strong export relationships is essential as farmers face rising costs and uncertain prices heading into the new crop year. 

Input costs a major concern 

Input costs are also a major concern. In March, ASA joined its 26 state affiliates, including Indiana, the National Corn Growers Association and other farm organizations in urging fertilizer manufacturers to withdraw support for countervailing duties on phosphate fertilizer imports from Morocco and Russia. 

ASA has opposed the duties since they were first imposed in 2021, arguing they have significantly increased fertilizer prices for U.S. farmers. 

ASA continued that effort by joining a coalition of agricultural groups in a letter to the U.S. Department of Commerce urging the agency to revoke the duties as part of the current sunset review. ASA noted that soybean farmers are already facing tight margins and rising input costs, and fertilizer remains one of the most critical and expensive inputs required to produce a crop. 

Maintaining the duties limits supply, reduces market competition and places additional strain on farmers navigating volatile markets. ASA warned that elevated fertilizer prices continue to affect planting decisions and overall farm viability and urged Commerce to restore balance to fertilizer markets by removing the duties. 

Farm bill remains a priority 

Completion of a new farm bill remains another top priority. Congress made progress in March when the House Agriculture Committee advanced the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026, but additional work is needed before a final bill becomes law. 

ASA has been working closely with lawmakers to ensure the legislation includes strong crop insurance, risk management tools, conservation programs and research funding that soybean farmers depend on. 

Soybean leaders reinforced those priorities during ASA’s March board meeting in Washington, where directors from across the country met with members of Congress, administration officials and federal agencies. Discussions focused on the farm bill, the overall farm economy, biofuels policy, trade and the need for science-based regulation of crop protection tools. 

ASA emphasized that farmers are facing one of the most challenging financial periods in recent years and need certainty as they make decisions for the upcoming crop year. 

Biofuels help drive domestic demand 

Domestic demand also remains a key part of ASA’s policy work. Biofuels continue to be one of the most important drivers of soybean value, and ASA is urging the administration to finalize Renewable Fuel Standard volumes and implement the Clean Fuel Production Credit in a way that supports U.S. farmers. 

Growth in biodiesel, renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel markets provides important opportunities for soybean oil and helps reduce reliance on exports alone. 

As planting season approaches, ASA will continue working with Congress, the administration and industry partners to strengthen markets, lower input costs and provide the policy certainty farmers need to remain competitive. 

ASA appreciates the partnership of state associations, including the Indiana Soybean Alliance, as we work together to ensure the voice of soybean farmers is heard in Washington. 

Soymeal in spotlight of March WASDE 

The March World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) report showed soymeal supplies increased by 400,000 short tons to 62.3 million short tons on higher crush volumes. January 2026 soymeal yields hit 47.57 pounds per bushel, up slightly from December 2025 and setting a new high for January soymeal yields. 

USDA expects the additional volume to be consumed entirely by domestic livestock units. The demand prospects led USDA to increase season average prices for soymeal by $5 per ton to $300 per ton for the 2025-26 marketing year. 

The surge in domestic soymeal usage added strength to futures prices, as well. The May 2026 soymeal futures contract closed the March 10 trading session $1 per ton higher to $315.1 per ton. 

Strong processing margins in the Eastern Corn Belt have largely driven the uptick in value of soymeal in the past four months.