Using MAP funds, the USGC has been educating the larger commercial feed companies and other large end-users in Algeria about the benefits of utilizing DDGS and CGF in livestock rations. The Council sees opportunities for these products fitting well into both the Algerian poultry and dairy industries. In 2013, Sarl Nutrimag, an Algerian commercial importer, made the first-ever purchase of U.S. DDGS and CGF into Algeria. In combination with technical assistance and training for end-users, this is an opening for additional purchases of U.S. corn products in the future. This shipment would not have been economically feasible a year earlier. In September 2012, the Council worked with FAS/Algiers and the feed, poultry and livestock industries in Algeria to encourage the removal of the VAT and custom tax on all feed imports in Algeria, including DDGS and CGF. Algeria had previously imposed a 30 percent import duty on DDGS and CGF, as well as a 17 percent VAT, the imports of these products into Algeria economically impossible. Through extensive Council efforts, products like DDGS and CGF were included in a list of feed ingredients that have had their import duties and VAT reduced to zero until August 2014. Reduction of duties made U.S. corn products competitive and USGC MAP-funded technical assistance activities developed the demand for these products.
About The U.S. Grains Council
The U.S. Grains Council develops export markets for U.S. barley, corn, sorghum and related products including distiller’s dried grains with solubles (DDGS) and ethanol. With full-time presence in 28 locations, the Council operates programs in more than 50 countries and the European Union. The Council believes exports are vital to global economic development and to U.S. agriculture’s profitability. Detailed information about the Council and its programs is online at www.grains.org.