Des Moines Sun

Senator Chuck Grassley raised questions on social media regarding the recent US-China negotiations held in Spain, focusing particularly on agricultural and technology issues. Grassley, a long-serving U.S. Senator from Iowa known for his advocacy on behalf of American farmers, posted a series of tweets on September 20, 2025.

In his first post, Grassley questioned the outcomes of the talks with respect to agriculture: "Last Monday at the start of the US China negotiations in Spain I read the agenda Incl among other things TikTok & soybeans. The only results of the negotiations that I’ve read is TikTok Now WHAT WAS THE RESULTS OF THE NEGOTIATIONS ON SOYBEANS? #soybeanwatch" (September 20, 2025).

Grassley continued to express concern over whether agricultural issues were addressed: "Was there even any negotiations on soybeans?? if u knew the plight of the family farmer you’d understand why there should’ve been negotiations on soybeans" (September 20, 2025).

Later that day, he shifted focus to H1B visa reform and recent policy changes affecting technology companies: "I read tech cos &biz groups dislike Trumps $100,000 H1B fee If they had not opposed over 10yrs SenDurbin &Grassley H1B reform the abuse Trump is trying 2stop would not hv been prob it is 2day+Trump wld not need 2take action I bet u tech companies now regret oppo 2Grassley-Durbin" (September 20, 2025).

The U.S.-China trade relationship has long involved complex negotiations over both technology and agricultural products such as soybeans. In past years, soybean exports have been a significant point of contention due to tariffs and market access concerns impacting American farmers. The reference to TikTok relates to ongoing discussions about Chinese-owned technology platforms operating in the United States.

Regarding H1B visas, bipartisan efforts led by Senators Dick Durbin and Chuck Grassley have sought for more than a decade to reform temporary skilled worker programs amid concerns about abuse and labor market impacts. Recent moves by former President Donald Trump included imposing steep fees for H1B applications—a measure criticized by some industry groups.

Grassley's comments reflect ongoing debates within Congress about balancing economic interests between agriculture and technology sectors while addressing foreign policy challenges.