The table is being set for a strong export year for U.S. corn to Colombia, according to Kurt Shultz, U.S. Grains Council regional director of the Americas. With a large U.S. corn crop beginning to trickle into the bins, Colombian grain buyers are increasingly looking to the U.S. Midwest to originate their grain needs.

The United States has been uncompetitive in the Colombia market for many years due to more favorable duty treatment for South American producers. However, in April, the Colombian Price Ban System increased the duty on South American origin imports to 5.75 percent. With the help of U.S.-Colombia Free Trade Agreement, U.S. corn imports have a zero percent duty on the first 2.1 million metric tons (82.7 million bushels) of corn imports. U.S. farmers are finally starting to reap benefits of the agreement as USDA announced the recent sale of 180,000 tons (7.1 million bushels) of U.S. corn to Colombia worth approximately $40 million.

In response to the improving market opportunities, the Council has been ramping up its promotion efforts in Colombia. Since June, the Council has sponsored two Colombian trade teams to meet with U.S. grain producers and exporters. According to Alvaro Cordero, USGC manager of global trade, these teams have already generated $6 million in exports, “with more to come.”

“With U.S. harvest beginning and Colombian importers planning their purchases for October and onward, these activities have targeted Colombian importers to market the U.S. corn crop at a critical time,” said Cordero. “Colombian traders and buyers are focused on the U.S. crop and we expect to see more purchases announced soon.”

The Council is actively engaged in this vital corn market on behalf of U.S. corn producers, reminding buyers and end-users that not only does the United States have an excellent product entering the supply chain, but it can supply it much more efficiently than any other supplier.

Colombia importers recognize that U.S. corn has advantages in delivery time, risk management, reliable sourcing, stock management, and financial cost. These benefits make the United States an excellent source of corn for Colombia.