China has emerged as the world’s top importer of U.S. DDGS, importing nearly 4.5 million metric tons of DDGS in 2013, valued at roughly $1.4 billion. Recently, China’s Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) has officially certified the registration of more U.S. ethanol plants to export distiller’s dried grains with solubles (DDGS) to China.

Four years ago the MOA initiated a plant registration program for facilities producing feed ingredients exported to China. In June 2012 the MOA announced the products covered under the policy included DDGS. The process requires each plant to submit a detailed dossier to China’s MOA, which then refers the application to the China National Feed Industry Association (CFIA) for review. Once CFIA evaluates the application, it goes back to MOA where the CFIA assessment can expedite the final approval process. Once MOA grants approval, the U.S. ethanol plant is legally registered to export DDGS to China.

The U.S. Grains Council has been helping companies work through this laborious process since 2012. The Council has now assisted 58 plants in this certification process.

The newly-approved USGC member plants include:

• ACE Ethanol – Stanley
• POET – 11 plants located in Mitchell, Jewell, Ashton, Corning, Hanlontown, Gowrie, Groton, Hudson, Chancellor, Bog Stone, Emmetsburg

“This new round of approvals is a step in the right direction,” said Bryan Lohmar, USGC director in China. “DDGS imports have grown exponentially since 2009 and this development is important for future growth of U.S. DDGS in the market.”

For a complete listing of China MOA registered plants that are USGC members please visit the Council’s DDGS suppliers list available here, and look for those plants whose listing indicates it is registered with MOA China.