NextFin news, WASHINGTON, October 3, 2025 (Friday) – President Donald Trump is considering a farm aid package valued at approximately $10 billion to $14 billion to assist American farmers suffering from the economic impact of trade tensions and retaliatory tariffs imposed by China. This move comes as U.S. agricultural exports, especially soybeans, face significant declines due to Beijing's countermeasures against U.S. tariffs.
The aid plan, reported by The Wall Street Journal and confirmed by U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, is expected to be announced next week, with a focus on soybean farmers who have been hit hardest by the trade conflict. Bessent told CNBC on Thursday that "substantial support" for farmers would be forthcoming, emphasizing that the administration recognizes the critical role farmers played in President Trump's electoral victory.
White House spokesperson Anna Kelly stated that President Trump and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins remain in close communication regarding farmers' needs. She noted, "He has made clear his intention to use tariff revenue to help our agricultural sector, but no final decisions on the contours of this plan have been made."
The administration is reportedly considering funding the aid package through revenues collected from tariffs on imports, with disbursements planned over the coming months. This approach aims to mitigate the financial strain on farmers caused by the ongoing tit-for-tat tariff escalation between the U.S. and China.
Farmers, particularly soybean producers, have experienced severe market disruptions as China, the largest global buyer of U.S. soybeans, has shifted purchases to competitors such as Brazil and Argentina. Jonathan Driver, a soybean farmer from Arkansas, described the situation, saying, "Nobody wants to trade with us," and warned that many farmers are selling crops at a loss, which could force several out of business amid rising costs.
President Trump also indicated plans to press Chinese President Xi Jinping on increasing U.S. soybean purchases during their anticipated meeting in about four weeks at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in South Korea.
The aid package reflects the administration's effort to sustain a key political constituency and address the economic fallout from the trade war, which has disrupted agricultural exports and raised concerns about the long-term viability of U.S. farming operations.
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