Protectionist economic policies often have significant, yet unexpected results.

Economists often disagree with protectionism on the grounds that it promotes retaliatory policies, while not solving the trade disputes which they set out to settle. Regardless, the effects of the current US-China trade war have been felt all around the world, and these effects aren’t always negative.

While many American and Chinese executives would love to see the trade war end, many would not. Among the industries that have thrived during the trade war, the Brazilian soy industry is definitely among them. Now that the end of the trade war is seen as simply a matter of time, many soy farmers in Brazil are getting nervous. The end of the trade war could have major implications for Brazilian soybean exports.

China is the largest consumer of Brazilian exports, most of which are commodities, most of which are soy. If China speaks of an opportunity to find their soy elsewhere, Brazilian farmers take notice. Many farmers are worried that under the current conditions, China may become almost obliged to buy more soy from the US.