China exempts US soybeans and pork from tariffs

Chinese state news agency said China would support "falling enterprises" by buying US pork, soybeans and other commodities.

American soybean farmers have been hit particularly hard by the trade war. China was their biggest market before Beijing responded to US tariffs by imposing taxes on soybeans from the United States.

Exports of soybeans to China fell to $ 3.1 billion in 2018, down from $ 12.2 billion in the year before, leaving a record in the end of last year's harvest.

Pork producers are also concerned that they are missing out on a growing Chinese market, where demand has accelerated because of an African swine fever affecting domestic hogs.

There are signs that tensions are being brought forward.

"We are hopeful that the United States will be able to fulfill its promises," said Xinhua on Friday.

Despite its easing of restrictions on US soybean exports, Beijing has been diversifying its supply away from American farmers. Earlier this week, Argentina 's agricultural ministry announced that China would open the door to Argentinian imports of soybean meal.

Argentina is not the only South American country that China's soybean industry is turning to because of the trade – Chinese farmers have also stepped up imports from its neighbor, Brazil.