Understand how the trade war between the USA and China can affect Brazil's soybeans

The trade war between the United States and China gained a new chapter last Friday (10), when Donald Trump announced a 100% tax on Chinese products. The measure is a response to China's new restrictions on so-called rare earths, essential elements for the production of advanced technologies, such as electric car batteries, an industry dominated by the Chinese. These restrictions, which begin on December 1, not only limit access to strategic raw materials but also symbolize the hardening of China's stance towards the West. But while the dispute over rare earths draws attention, another sector has been central to this war: soybeans. Soybeans as a geopolitical weapon Historically, the United States has been the main supplier of soybeans to China. However, since the tariff disputes between the two countries began, Beijing has used the grain as a tool for trade retaliation. In response to the tariffs imposed by Washington, China has drastically reduced its purchases of American ...