The economic war between the USA and China in the agricultural sector as a reflection of their rivalry for global leadership

The economic confrontation that began in 2018 represents a new stage in Sino-American trade relations. We focus on the conflict between China and the USA, as they are the largest players in the global agricultural market while also being each other's most important trade partners. Given their economic power, their trade policies can significantly impact global commodity markets. The aim of the study is a comprehensive analysis of the origins of disagreements and the current state of foreign trade interactions between the USA and China in the agricultural sector. The object of research is the totality of Sino-American relations related to the trade of agricultural products in the context of growing confrontation between the countries at the beginning of the 21st century. The subject of research is the features of trade and economic interaction between the USA and China in the agricultural sector against the backdrop of the increasing financial and economic power of China. The authors implemented a systematic approach to the study of trade and economic relations between the USA and China, identifying patterns and trends in the development of bilateral relations. The methodological basis of the study includes structural-functional analysis, comparative-historical analysis, and institutional analysis. To reveal the essence of each party's positions in the trade war, a content analysis of the speeches of both leaders was conducted. Despite opposing interests and developmental trajectories, China and the USA maintain longstanding agricultural relations that have steadily strengthened in recent years. There is a complementarity in trade between them: the USA exports goods that require significant land and capital investment, while China exports goods that require high labor input. From a purely commercial standpoint, these exchanges are beneficial for both countries: they allow the USA to find markets for its products and provide China with the resources necessary to feed its population. The existing interdependence between the two countries in the trade of agricultural products makes the use of agriculture for geoeconomic purposes within the framework of the trade war both simple and dangerous. The authors have systematized the stages of the trade war between the USA and China. It is argued that the increased trade balance deficit of the USA was one of the factors contributing to the confrontation between the countries. The strategies of both countries within the framework of the trade war are elucidated.