Grain buyers and end-users participating in four trade teams from Latin America will be among the 180 international participants at Export Exchange 2014, scheduled for Oct. 20 to 22 in Seattle, Washington.
Due to proximity and long-standing trade relationships with the United States, Latin America is one of the largest export regions for U.S. grains and co-products. In the 2013/2014 marketing year, Latin America accounted for roughly 42 percent of the U.S. corn export market, as well as 16 percent of U.S. distiller’s dried grains with solubles (DDGS) exports. Buyers and end-users are eager to grow their relationships with U.S. suppliers and agribusinesses.
Mexico has also long been a reliable buyer and important market for U.S. corn, having remained the second-largest export market for more than 10 years. In the marketing year that just finished, Mexico is estimated to have imported 10.4 million metric tons (409 million bushels) of U.S. corn, accounting for roughly 22 percent of the total U.S. corn export market.
The southern region of Mexico is home to an underserved livestock sector with growth potential for U.S. exports. Based on a U.S. Grains Council assessment conducted in the southern part of this country, the potential market for DDGS in Mexico could double.
“Livestock production in this area can be characterized as small-scale producers with limited access to imported grain feeds,” said Julio Hernandez, USGC director in Mexico. “Our assessment showed, despite limited investment in this area by importers and feed millers, the region had tremendous import potential for feed grains, ranging from 1.5 to 3 million tons per year.”
Participants from Mexico are scheduled to include representatives from the following companies:
- Inter Industrias del Sureste
- Granjas Fernandez
- OMG International
- Grupo Buenaventura
- Proveedora de Alimentos Avepecuarios
- Alimentos y Servicios Pecuarios
- El Rebozo
- Agroindustrias Nutricionales
- Forrajera San Rafael
- Empresas Guadalupe
- Nutricion Integral Pecuaria
- Imporagri S.A. de CV
- Grupo GUSI
- DENES S.A. de CV
- Malta Texo
Buyers from Colombia are looking to purchase U.S. corn because the U.S. – Colombia free trade agreement (FTA) limits duties for much of the supply. This year, the United States provided more than 95 percent of the 3.4 million ton (134 million bushels) Colombian corn market, with expectations favorable for the coming year also.
DDGS markets are also growing in Latin America, providing an opportunity to develop relationships with buyers in the region. In Peru, DDGS feed trials have shown local farmers the benefit of the feed ingredient. The results are improved nutrition, which allows livestock to grow more quickly, reducing the time to market and increasing profits.
Participants at Export Exchange 2014 from Latin America are scheduled to include representatives from the following companies:
Colombia
- ESCALA
- Solla S.A
- Campollo
Costa Rica
- El Surco
Ecuador
- Pronaca
- ALIMENTSA
Peru
- Redondos Alimentos
- Grupo Gloria
- TECAVI
- Santa Elena
Venezuela
- Grupo La Caridad
Export Exchange is co-sponsored by the Council and the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA). Please visit www.exportexchange.org to find more information and register.