Trump’s tariffs on China are causing Pakistan’s food imports to go up, and possibly food prices to go down

On the 6th of May 2025, a delegation of the US Chamber of Commerce accompanied by United States Charge d’Affaires in Pakistan, Ms Natalie A. Baker met with Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan. Members of the US-Pakistan Business Council (USPBC) were also there. 

In the world of business and trade diplomacy, this was a very small first step. Pakistan had been slapped with a 29% tariff by the Trump Administration in April as the US revealed a long list of countries hit by the new policy. The major brunt in the region had been taken by China. With Donald Trump claiming he was open to renegotiating the tariffs with different countries and striking trade deals, the sit-down meeting with the commerce minister was meant to open a channel of communication on the pressing issue. 

But even as the delegations exchanged pleasantries, one topic dominated the conversation: soybeans. More specifically the import of soybeans from the United States into Pakistan. Soybeans are a major cash crop in the United States and vital to farmers that populate America’s midwest region. Traditionally, China has been the biggest market for soybeans, buying more than half of the $24.5 billion worth of soy products produced in the US. Those orders have fallen by more than half since the tariffs went into effect. 

The sentiment among American farmers has slowly but surely been turning. States like Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Missouri, Kansas, Kentucky, and Nebraska  make up not just the heart of Trump Country but also the bulk of US soybean production. These farmers have been complaining vocally, and Trump is fast losing goodwill in the region.

While the US has its horns locked with China in the trade tussle, in the meantime the Trump Administration has been trying to find other markets for its soybeans. Among these is Pakistan. Charge d’Affaires Baker made it a point to mention that the resumption of US soybean exports to Pakistan signifies the growing partnership between the two countries in the meeting with the commerce minister.