AsianFin -- China called on the United States on Thursday to lift what it described as “unreasonable” tariffs and create favorable conditions for expanding bilateral trade, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Commerce said, when asked about potential purchases of U.S. soybeans.

Despite being the world’s largest soybean importer, China has yet to place any orders for U.S. soybeans from this year’s autumn harvest, according to market sources. Instead, Chinese buyers have increasingly turned to South American suppliers, taking advantage of competitive pricing and abundant availability.

The ministry’s remarks reflect Beijing’s ongoing push for improved trade relations with Washington, particularly as U.S.-China tensions have complicated agricultural imports. Removing tariffs, Chinese officials argue, would help stabilize the soybean market, ensure reliable supply, and create opportunities for renewed U.S. exports to China.