By: Cary Sifferath, U.S. Grains Council Regional Director in Middle East and Africa

With U.S. corn and corn co-products priced competitively again, U.S. market share in the Middle East and North Africa region has begun to expand. For examples, Saudi Arabian buyers have begun purchasing U.S. corn and corn co-products again; Egyptian importers have purchased 638,000 metric tons (25.1 million bushels) of U.S. corn for April, May and June shipments on top of the 160,000 tons (6.3 million bushels) that was shipped in December and January; and there have been strong sales of U.S. corn co-products to Turkey, Egypt and Morocco.

The United States captured the attention of key feed grains customers from the region at the United States, Middle East and Africa Grain Forum in Doha, sponsored by the U.S. Grains Council, U.S. Wheat Associates, U.S. Soybean Export Council and North American Export Grain Association.

The Grain Forum allowed all the cooperative groups that hosted to promote their products. The Council was represented by both USGC Manager of Global Trade Alvaro Cordero and USGC Regional Director in Middle East and Africa Cary Sifferath. Cordero presented the supply and demand outlook for corn, sorghum and barley while Sifferath presented on the Council’s commitment to the region.

The Council is expanding its commitment to the region by hiring Hesham Hassanein as USGC Egypt marketing manager. Hassanein brings to the Council more than 25 years of work experience in regional and international business exposure.

Through programs like the Grain Forum and expanding its presence, the Council is building more key contacts throughout the Middle East and North Arica region. These relationships can lead to additional U.S. corn and corn co-product sales.