The trade war between the two biggest global economies has hit the American soybean sector hard. But news of China's possible plan to buy more US agricultural products sent soybean prices surging on Monday. American farmers see the truce as an important and positive step. CGTN's Dan Williams has more.

After a brutal year for US farmers, finally a sign of hope. The Illinois Farm Bureau's annual meeting brought together farmers from across the state. The main topic of discussion the trade truce agreed between U.S. President Donald Trump and China's President Xi Jinping.

As part of that truce, the White House announced China would immediately resume buying some American agricultural products. Beijing hasn't confirmed that detail, so there remains some confusion as to the precise agreement. But what is clear that the U.S. is delaying additional tariffs on Chinese imports for 90 days, as the two sides ramp up efforts at negotiation. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue is optimistic about the future direction.

SONNY PERDUE US SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE "As you know, the 90-day cooling off period where we won't go to 25% tariffs on those additional 200 billion is a great opportunity for us to get serious to make the decisions that will benefit both countries. We would love to restore the trade, farmers have borne the brunt of retaliatory tariffs and I would love to see them removed."

Illinois is the leading producer of soybeans in the US. Over the last few months, the price of soybeans has fallen below the cost of production.

DAN WILLIAMS CHICAGO "For farmers here, news of the truce has been seen as an important, positive step. But given the developments over the last year, few here are getting carried away with the announcement just yet."

ROBERT KLEMM ILLINOIS FARM BUREAU BOARD OF DIRECTORS "It's a beginning step. And that's not just President Trump, but both presidents have agreed they are going to have a discussion, for which we haven't had for a long time. It's just a beginning point."

While other farmers remain concerned about the potential long term damage.

STEVE FOREEZ ILLINOIS FARMER "They've stepped up and understand the situation they've put us in, and they've been doing a lot trying to get over the hump and get this done before it does any long-term damage to our trade relations. Not just China but the rest of the world, because once we are looked as an unreliable source. Then other countries pick up on that and go well if they are willing to do that to China, maybe we can't count on them."

It has been a tough year for U.S. agriculture and for soybean farmers in particular. But many here hope this development will finally bring some much needed relief. Dan Williams, CGTN, Chicago.