Sustaining relations in key overseas markets helps maintain U.S. market share and instill confidence of key buyers and end-users in the merits of food security through trade. From Aug. 24 to Sept. 3, three Iowa producers, funded by the Iowa Corn Promotion Board, were escorted by the U.S. Grains Council (USGC) to Vietnam and Taiwan to meet with key importers of U.S. corn and co-products.

During one-on-one meetings with end-users, importers and government officials in Taiwan, the U.S. producers expressed their gratitude for the ongoing between Taiwan and U.S. agriculture. They also emphasized the U.S. commitment to being the long-term reliable supplier of U.S. coarse grains and related products to the country.

The U.S. producers were also able to answer questions from the Taiwanese about biotechnology and cost efficiencies in the United States.

There was also discussion about recent rejections of U.S. shipments of distiller’s dried grains with solubles (DDGS) to China. Taiwanese buyers were among the first to seize the opportunity to purchase U.S. DDGS that was rejected by China.

“Face to face interactions are key in continuing to build Taiwanese end-user’s confidence in U.S. coarse grains and related products,” said Clover Chang, USGC director in Taiwan. “The Taiwanese customers the mission met with appreciated of the information provided by the producers who were on the mission, and look forward to meeting more groups like this in the future.”

Click here to view more photos from this mission’s travel to Taiwan.