BEIJING, CHINA — As part of the continued, multi-country tour to promote U.S. soy, leaders from the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC), the American Soybean Association (ASA) and the United Soybean Board (USB) are meeting with Chinese importers in Beijing and Shanghai.

The meetings come as China and the United States continue trade talks since July 2018 when U.S. President Donald Trump announced 25% tariffs on various Chinese products. China responded with retaliatory tariffs on U.S. products, including soybeans.

Davie Stephens, president of the ASA, and Keith Tapp, chairman of the USB, are participating in the meetings, where they will talk to buyers about the advantages of U.S. soy, including years of farming experience, technology innovations, sustainability practices, and being positioned to effectively serve a global marketplace.

“U.S. soybean farmers work hard every year to deliver a high-quality product to customers around the world,” said Jim Sutter, chief executive officer of USSEC. “Our mission at USSEC is to help our growers remain competitive by building global demand and expanding market access for U.S. Soy.”

The meetings are a part of USSEC’s efforts to maintain and further build relationships with exporters and stakeholders in international markets.

According to USSEC, consumers globally are demanding soy products in record volume and U.S. exports to other countries have grown significantly over the past year. To ensure this demand continues, USSEC is focused on short and long-term strategies to increase availability of innovative, nutritious and quality U.S. soy.

As part of these strategies, USSEC is conducting a tour called Experience Today’s U.S. Soy Advantage in key priority markets.

The soy organizations said the purpose of these meetings is to remind customers of the benefits of U.S. soy, thank them for their trust in American soybean farmers, and foster U.S. soy interests.

“U.S. soybean farmers and exporters should know that USSEC is investing in markets that represent future growth opportunities for U.S. Soy,” Sutter said. “We believe these discussions are having a positive impact on our current and future growth opportunities.”