ICYMI: U.S.-Mexico Trade Agreement Announced; Work Continues On New Trilateral NAFTA

The United States and Mexico announced on Monday a preliminary U.S.-Mexico Trade Agreement that modernizes provisions of the existing North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), clearing a major hurdle toward a new, trilateral trade agreement with two of the largest buyers of U.S. coarse grains and co-products. The new agreement came after five weeks of …

USGC Signs Memorandum Of Understanding To Establish Tunisian Center For Feed Manufacturing

In dual efforts to expand export opportunities and help local feed producers improve the quality of their products, the U.S. Grains Council (USGC) plans to utilize a grant provided by the U.S. State Department to create a Center for Feed Manufacturing in Tunisia. “Centered in North Africa, U.S. suppliers face increasing competition in the Tunisian …

Grain Export Mission Shows Members Market Development Process In Morocco

Corn, barley and sorghum farmers from across the United States traveled to Morocco as part of the U.S. Grains Council’s (USGC’s) annual Grain Export Mission (GEM) to learn about how the Council’s programs have contributed to the development of the livestock industry in Morocco. “The GEM is designed to show its members how the Council …

Council Engaged In NAFTA Talks During Latest Round in Montreal

The sixth round of negotiations on the modernization of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) is happening this week, with U.S. Grains Council (USGC) staff leadership on the ground in Montreal to share the importance of NAFTA relationships to exports of U.S. coarse grains and co-products. The sixth round of negotiations on the modernization …

Algeria Removes Value-Added Tax On U.S. DDGS, Corn Gluten Feed

The government of Algeria has lifted a value-added tax (VAT) on U.S. distiller’s dried grains with solubles (DDGS) and corn gluten feed (CGF) for 2018, affording new opportunities this marketing year. “The U.S. Grains Council (USGC) has been demonstrating the clear advantages of using DDGS and CGF in feed rations through activities in Algeria,” said …

Chart of Note: DDGS Exports Set New Record To Southeast Asia

Considerable concern surrounded the export potential for U.S. distiller’s dried grains with solubles (DDGS) following an adverse trade policy decision by Vietnam, a historic top buyer, in December 2016. Instead, other countries in the region increased DDGS purchasing, the Vietnamese market re-opened and the region set a new record at 2.3 million metric tons in …

During USGC Seminar, Bolivian Government Announces Intent To Establish E10 Mandate

The Bolivian government announced its intention to establish an ethanol blend mandate during a December seminar conducted by the U.S. Grains Council (USGC). Bolivian Vice President Garcia Linera made the announcement during closing remarks at the event, reporting the government’s decision to implement an ethanol blend mandate starting at 10 percent in 2018 with goals of mid-level …

USGC Sees Growth Potential For Feed Production, Grain Imports In Myanmar

The Council recently conducted an on-the-ground assessment of the growth potential for Myanmar’s animal and feed manufacturing sectors – and how that growth could translate into increased exports of U.S. feed grains and co-products. “Myanmar is advantageously positioned to experience double digit growth in its livestock sector over the next five years,” said Caleb Wurth, …

Looking Forward: KORUS Benefits U.S. Feed Grain Exports

A long tradition of partnership and dedicated interaction by organizations like the U.S. Grains Council (USGC) has established South Korea as one of the largest and most loyal trading partners for the United States. The United States and South Korea will begin to formally examine the U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement (KORUS) during talks in Washington, …