California Exports to China Down and Americans Support E15
From the Ag Information Network, I’m Bob Larson with your Agribusiness Update.
**California agricultural exports to China saw a 64% decline last year, with the top 13 commodities falling from an average of $1.55 billion to $554 million.
After joining the World Trade Organization in 2001, China became one of California’s fastest-growing markets, but that changed with the first U.S.-China trade war in 2018.
Then, in 2025, the U.S. imposed tariffs on Chinese imports, and China retaliated.
California tree nuts saw some of the largest losses.
**With soaring fuel prices and volatile energy markets, a majority of Americans support expansion of lower-cost E15 fuel and legislation to make it available year-round, according to a Morning Consult poll.
The Renewable Fuels Association says polling results underscore the urgency of securing federal legislation to finally allow year-round E15.
RFA President Geoff Cooper says by an 8-to-1 margin, voters support efforts to broaden the availability of the more-affordable, cleaner-burning fuel.
**Producers intend to plant 95.3 million acres of corn in 2026, down 3% from last year, according to the National Ag Statistics Service.
Soybean growers intend to plant 84.7 million acres in 2026, up 4% from last year.
All wheat planted area for 2026 will be 43.8 million acres,
down 3%.
The Grain Stocks Report shows an 11% increase in corn stocks and a 10% jump in soybeans.
