The U.S. Grain Council (USGC) is engaged in maintaining and expanding trade relationships for U.S. corn, barley, and sorghum in foreign markets. With a focus on market development and access, the USGC has been a key player in facilitating exports to regions such as Asia, Latin America, North Africa, and beyond.
“The current strategies of the USGC revolve around sustaining relationships with established markets in countries like Korea, Japan, Taiwan, China, and Mexico,” explains Brent Boydstun, Chairman of the USGC. “We’re also looking into expanding our footprint in emerging markets across West Africa and different parts of Asia.”
USGC recently opened an office in India and is now the first U.S. cooperator group to have an officer there. Boydstun says he fully expects there to be a very good return once everything is up and running.
However, amidst these endeavors, challenges persist in the global trade landscape. Issues such as water levels impacting domestic transportation and the Panama Canal’s operational difficulties pose logistical hurdles for grain exports. Additionally, USGC is trying to navigate the rise of trade protectionism and countervailing duty cases in various markets.
Boydstun says, “Nevertheless, amidst challenges lie opportunities. We’re seeing a growing appreciation for the quality and versatility of U.S. corn among international customers. This positive reception has led to increased demand in both established and developing markets.”
In line with its expansion efforts, the USGC is actively engaged in relationship-building endeavors. Recent missions to regions like West Africa, including Senegal, have yielded promising outcomes. Collaborative efforts with local entities, such as feed mills and agricultural associations, are paving the way for enhanced trade relationships and market penetration.
“To gather insights and priorities related to international trade, we have a structured approach involving advisory teams composed of our members. These teams assess ongoing developments, identify focus areas, and make recommendations to the council’s board. This ensures the alignment of our members’ interests and market dynamics.”
Despite potential challenges stemming from trade barriers and geopolitical uncertainties, the demand for high-quality U.S. grains in global markets is expected to persist. The USGC reaffirms its commitment to navigating these challenges proactively and seizing opportunities for sustainable growth in international trade.
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