Sign in Subscribe
Trump, Donald

Congressman Sorensen Leads Illinois Delegation in Urging President Trump to End Trade War

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

As President Trump prepares to meet with President Xi Jinping of China to discuss US soybean and agricultural exports, Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17) is leading members of the Illinois congressional delegation in a letter calling on President Trump to take immediate action to end the trade war with China. The trade war has devastated the Illinois and American farm economy, with thousands of farmers at risk of financial ruin. Last year, China purchased $12.6 billion in US soybeans, which was 52% of all American soybean exports. Without a trade deal, American farmers will suffer devastating, billion-dollar losses.

Key Takeaways:

  • Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17) leads members of the Illinois congressional delegation in a letter calling on President Trump to end the trade war with China, which is crushing the Illinois and American farm economy.
  • The letter comes ahead of US-China trade talks between President Trump and President Xi Jinping of China, where the two are scheduled to discuss US soybean and agricultural exports.
  • Without a trade deal, US soybean farmers could potentially lose $12.6 billion, the amount of US soybeans purchased last year.
  • Last year, China purchased 52% of all American soybean exports, with Illinois accounting for 50% of international soybean exports to China.
  • Soybean exports in Illinois are down 18% on the year, and farm bankruptcies have nearly doubled from the previous year.
  • The letter is endorsed by the Illinois Soybean Association and the Illinois Farm Bureau.
  • Congressman Sorensen warns that President Trump's trade war has done nothing but raise prices on American consumers and crush the agriculture economy.

Statistics:

  • $12.6 billion: The amount of US soybeans purchased by China last year.
  • 52%: The percentage of total American soybean exports purchased by China last year.
  • 50%: The percentage of international soybean exports from Illinois to China.
  • 18%: The decrease in soybean exports in Illinois on the year.
  • 100%: The near doubling of farm bankruptcies from the previous year.

Sources:

  • Sorensen, Eric. "Congressman Sorensen Leads Members of Illinois Congressional Delegation in Urging President Trump to Stop Hurting IL Soybean and Corn Farmers". US House of Representatives, October 29.
  • Illinois Soybean Association. "Chinese Purchase of US Soybeans". Soybean.org.

Read more