By: Adel Yusupov, U.S. Grains Council Regional Director of Southeast Asia

South and Southeast Asia’s rising feed demand amid a decrease in available local corn has resulted in a higher reliance on imported coarse grains and co-products. There is competition, however, with South and Southeast Asia importing corn from as many as 16 countries of origin. To encourage end-users to import U.S. grains, the U.S. Grains Council has lead led trade and technical education efforts in this region to increase knowledge of the quality and reliability of U.S. sourcing.

This week, the Council sponsored a team from South and Southeast Asia to attend two events: the 2014 Corn Utilization and Technology Conference in Kentucky, and a short course at the University of Illinois. At the Kentucky event, the team was able to learn about the latest developments and technologies in corn production. The conference also featured sessions on both wet and dry milling processes, biorefineries, genetics, health and nutrition, biopolymers, new products and other current topics.

In addition, the CUTC allowed the team to establish valuable business contacts through networking with industry colleagues. The group also identified potential new suppliers and learned how new technologies can enhance the value of corn. By connecting international buyers with domestic suppliers, the Council hopes to create future opportunities for corn exports to South and Southeast Asia.

The University of Illinois short course focused on wet milling in the United States. This session went in depth into the biology behind wet milling, and looked at new co-products produced in corn wet milling.

The Council has a long history of building demand in Southeast Asia, and has future plans to win an increasing market share for U.S. suppliers of this region’s growing demand for coarse grains and co-products.