What DYK About Trade? Learn About The Importance Of Exports During World Trade Month

Did you know the United States exported enough ethanol in 2018/2019 to overfill Lake Huron, Lake Ontario and Lake Erie – combined? Or that more than 141,000 railcars would be needed to transport all the U.S. corn Mexico purchased last marketing year?

The U.S. Grains Council (USGC) is sharing these fun trade facts and many more on its social media channels in May as part of World Trade Month. Follow along as the Council highlights the strengths, opportunities and challenges of the top markets for U.S. corn, sorghum, barley, ethanol and dried distiller’s grains with solubles (DDGS).

“World Trade Month shines a spotlight on the hard work of our staff, partnering organizations and members to find new demand, build on success and keep markets open for U.S. coarse grains, co-products and ethanol,” said Darren Armstrong, USGC chairman and farmer from North Carolina. “We hope World Trade Month helps many people learn how we are keeping in touch with large and loyal customers and making new connections, even during the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Outreach in May will help followers explore how the Council has worked around the world during its six decades in operation through Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. The organization is also sharing how trade agreements – old and new – are creating market access in countries like Mexico, South Korea and Japan. The month will also showcase how USGC global staff is expanding outreach to new animal sectors in places like Peru and growing ethanol markets in countries like Vietnam.

“Our work on trade is never complete,” Armstrong said. “The more markets change, the more our work to access and develop them remains the same – identifying short-term opportunities and building long-term demand to Make Something Happen around the world for U.S. farmers and agribusinesses.”

Use the hashtag #worldtrademonth to share your own experiences with the Council’s market development work.