LANSING – Since Jan. 20, President Donald Trump has increased tariffs on U.S. imports from all global partners, triggering retaliatory tariffs by China, Canada and the European Union on U.S. exports, including soybeans.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the value of soybean exports reached $24.47 billion in 2024. China was the largest international market, contributing $12.64 billion, and sales to the European Union generated $2.45 billion in revenue.
Major soybean-producing counties include Gratiot, Lenawee, Saginaw, Shiawassee and Sanilac.
The National Agricultural Statistics Service ranks Michigan 13th nationally in soybean production, behind neighboring states Indiana (4th), Ohio (7th) and Wisconsin (12th).
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development says China and Canada were the state’s top international soybean export markets in 2024, and soybean-related exports contributed $393 million in revenue.
Data indicates that U.S. soybean exports are experiencing a sharp decline, especially to the China market, which is hurting the income of Michigan farmers.
The American Soybean Association recently wrote to Trump, saying that “over the past five years, China has imported an average of 61% of the world’s available soybean supplies.”
“Soybean farmers are under extreme financial stress. Prices continue to drop and at the same time our farmers are paying significantly more for inputs and equipment,” the association’s letter said.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s office said in a September press release that tariffs are “causing massive uncertainty for our farmers and agriculture industry, threatening hundreds of thousands of jobs statewide.”
The press release said Michigan’s soybean meal exports fell by 46% in the first half of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024.
