International Marketing Conference Speakers Highlight Trade Relationships, Export Challenges, Market Development Programs

Focusing on his theme of Together in Trade, U.S. Grains Council Chairman Chad Willis welcomed 240 attendees to the 19th International Marketing Conference and 62nd Annual Membership Meeting on Monday, Feb. 14, 2022, in Greenville, S.C., while also laying out three major topics of discussion for the meeting: trade policy, China and global shipping.

“My theme for this year, Together in Trade, reflects both the opportunities and challenges of the current trade environment,” Willis said. “At this meeting, we gather to discuss issues facing our industry and explore future demand for feed grains, distiller’s grains and ethanol around the world, including three drivers of global demand that impact every market in which we work – trade policy, China and global shipping.”

Greenville Mayor Pro Tem Lilian Flemming welcomed Council members to the city of Greenville before USGC President and CEO Ryan LeGrand provided an overview of the current state of the Council and the organization’s priorities moving forward.

“Exports of our products have seen a major resurgence this year. The gains can largely be attributed to the quality of the commodities you, the producer, supply, and the work of Council agribusiness members and our staff in our extensive network that stretches around the world and back again,” LeGrand said.

The remainder of Monday’s speakers covered topics including the current trade landscape, the United States’ global trade partnerships and the challenges faced by exports.

U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai provided a recorded message that focused on relations with Mexico, China and the importance of new market diversification. She also highlighted the Phase 1 Agreement and the need to hold China accountable for its purchasing promises.

“We have been holding direct conversations with China over the last several months to hold China accountable for the agricultural commitments made in the Phase 1 Agreement…It is clear that China’s purchases have not fully met the level committed under the agreement and that’s why we have been actively engaged with our counterparts in Beijing about how they plan to address these shortfalls.”

Jason Hafemeister, U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA’s) acting deputy under secretary for trade and foreign affairs, offered an overview of export and trade policy challenges and opportunities for the U.S. agricultural sector; Sharon Yuan, president of the Asia Group, touched on the trade relationship with China and what the future could look like for the U.S. and China; Bill Rooney, vice president of strategic development for Kuehne & Nagel, gave an update on the current state of global shipping and transportation management and what it means for the United States; and the first general session ended with an address from John Lummus, of the Upstate SC Alliance, who spoke to the importance of international investment and trade in South Carolina.

During Wednesday’s Board of Delegates meeting, Council members heard from Dr. Gary Williams, professor of agricultural economics, retired, at Texas A&M University, about the economic impact of the Agricultural Trade Promotion program and other USDA market development programs, and Mark Slupek, USDA Foreign Agricultural Service’s deputy administrator of global programs, on agricultural foreign market development funding.

“Your exports have generated 226,000 jobs for our economy between 2002 and 2019,” Williams said. “These programs are not only important for agriculture, but for the entire economy.”