The president of the American Soybean Association (ASA) says soybean growers remain optimistic about the future of exports, citing China’s return to the market and continued demand from other key buyers.

Scott Metzger said China has purchased about 14 million metric tons toward its 25 million metric ton commitment to the United States. He told Brownfield Ag News that China is on track to fulfill the agreement.

However, Metzger said the agreement does not include an enforcement mechanism if China fails to meet the commitment. Meeting the commitment and maintaining purchases from China, Mexico and other markets will therefore remain important indicators for U.S. soybean export demand.

“If they don’t meet them, there’s actually nothing in place that actually holds them accountable for it. Then that takes us back to tariffs and all that stuff. We don’t want to go back down that path again,” he said.

Metzger also emphasized that the U.S. soybean industry is not relying on China alone. Mexico is the second-largest buyer of U.S. soybeans behind China, and he said it has remained active in the market.

“Mexico is our number two buyer behind China. It’s good to see them staying in the market,” Metzger said. “All the other countries we’re exporting to, last year they were all increased from the previous year.”

He described international trade as a bright spot for the soybean industry in 2026. Metzger spoke with Brownfield at the 2026 Farm Progress Show.

Published September 10, 2026, by Brent Barnett.