The relationship between China and the U.S. is one of the world’s most important relationships of the 21st century.
Trade industry insiders say that the U.S. and China need each other for economic success.
“To expand protein trade and lift up the nutrition and well-being of peoples and nations around the world, the U.S. and China must prioritize understanding each other and shared values which include free and open trade, quality, and sustainability,” United Soybean Board CEO Polly Ruhland states.
Ruhland recently took part in a discussion that aims to improve the relationship with the two countries. She says that cultural understanding can prevent trade barriers and reduce tariffs.
“U.S. agriculture, and particularly an important, high-quality and sustainable soybean crop, offers reliability, consistency, and quality to China,” she states. “China’s growing interest in sustainability widens an opportunity for the U.S. to supply this important market with sustainable and high-quality soybean protein.”
The U.S. produces more soybeans than it can consume, and while China can meet its domestic demand, Ruhland says that means the two countries need each other.
“Even as advancements integrate into Chinese systems of production, there is still a large gap, and China needs soybeans,” she adds. “The U.S. now produces over 50 bushels an acre, and that is the beauty and necessity of international trade; the abilities for countries with more to share, serve, and export to markets that need our food.”
Leaders in the roundtable discussion describe agriculture as the bedrock of a healthy U.S. and China relationship.
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