Beijing reverses March trade restrictions, reopening markets for the United States logs and soybeans amid a thaw in bilateral trade tensions.
China announced on Friday November 7, 2025, that it will lift a ban on U.S. log imports and reinstate export licenses for three American soybean exporters, signaling a tentative easing of trade tensions between the world’s two largest economies.
The restrictions, imposed in March 2025, amid heightened U.S.-China trade friction, had suspended shipments of U.S. logs and blocked soybean licenses for Louis Dreyfus Company, CHS Inc., and EGT. At the time, Chinese authorities cited safety concerns, including potential forest pests for logs.
Beijing said the log ban is being overturned “based on the evaluation of U.S. corrective measures.” The announcement did not specify reasons for restoring soybean licenses. Both measures are set to take effect on Monday, potentially reopening a market worth around $600 million in hardwood and $200 million in softwood logs.
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The decision follows last week’s meeting between Presidents Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, which appeared to mark a thaw in bilateral trade relations. In the aftermath, the U.S. agreed to cut tariffs on certain Chinese goods by 10%, while China signaled it would reduce tariffs on American products and lift other targeted agricultural trade restrictions.
Since the summit, some previously restricted U.S. commodities have begun moving again. Chinese state-owned COFCO recently purchased three soybean shipments, while orders for wheat and sorghum have also resumed. U.S. officials reported that Beijing committed to buying at least 12 million tons of soybeans in the final two months of 2025, with annual commitments of 25 million tons for the next three years. If fulfilled, these purchases could maintain volumes near current annual averages.
Negotiations are ongoing, and neither side has released a formal agreement or joint statement. Meanwhile, other U.S. agricultural sectors are awaiting similar assurances. Sorghum producers hope for explicit purchase commitments, and beef exporters are seeking clarity on the reinstatement of export licenses.
The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Analysts say the latest steps underscore the strategic importance both countries place on agricultural trade, with commodities like soybeans and timber serving as key leverage points in broader economic and diplomatic discussions.
The restoration of market access may ease pressure on U.S. farmers and suppliers, who have been navigating uncertainty for months, while signaling a cautious willingness by China to resume trade with long-standing American partners.
Africa Daily News, New York
