This week’s U.S. Grains Council (USGC) Chart of Note illustrates a growing global interest in U.S. sorghum among a diverse group of markets.

While China remains the top market for U.S. sorghum – with more than 5.9 million metric tons (232.3 million bushels) sold to that country as of May 5 – other, non-traditional markets like Pakistan, Venezuela and Colombia have also shown their interest in this coarse grain during this marketing year. Combined, these three markets have purchased more than 295,000 tons (11.6 million bushels) of U.S. sorghum as of May 5.

In addition, Mexico, the historical top market for U.S. sorghum, has returned to purchasing the commodity grain with sales of 320,400 tons (12.6 million bushels) as of May 5. While Mexico’s decline in purchasing U.S. sorghum has been driven in part by China’s surge, it remains a long-term U.S. customer due to its shared border and the industry’s familiarly with U.S. sorghum.

The Council and its partners at the United Sorghum Checkoff Program (USCP) will continue its promotion of U.S. sorghum abroad through both trade servicing efforts, which focus on one-on-one consultations, and market development work, like hosting seminars and escorting trade teams to the United States.

The relationships that the USGC staff builds with buyers and end-users around the world through these programs are key to understanding markets as they continue to evolve, which enables the Council to respond to opportunities that arise or to react to threats to U.S. market share.

Click here to learn more about sorghum production in the United States.