Colombia Imports U.S. Sorghum, Nearly Filling TRQ

The U.S. Grains Council invested $125,500 of Market Access Program (MAP) funds into programs promoting sorghum exports to the Colombian market in 2015. As a result of these efforts, buyers in Colombia purchased $4.3 million worth of U.S. sorghum, for a return on investment (ROI) of $34 for every $1 of MAP funds invested.

Colombia imported 23,000 metric tons (905,464 bushels) of U.S. sorghum valued at $4.3 million in October 2015, almost filling their tariff rate quota (TRQ) of 24,300 tons (956,642 bushels) established under the U.S. – Colombia Free Trade Agreement. This was the first large commercial purchase of U.S. sorghum in recent years by Colombia.

The Council has been promoting U.S. sorghum in Colombia since before the U.S.-Colombia free trade agreement (FTA) went into effect in 2012. However, sales there have faced obstacles including misperceptions that all sorghum has high-levels of tannins; little knowledge among buyers of the marketing channels for U.S. sorghum; and limited local experience in formulating sorghum in feed rations.

To overcome these hurdles, the Council has undertaken a promotion program for U.S. sorghum that has included inviting buyers from Colombia to the Council’s Regional Buyer’s Conference; bringing buyers teams to the United States to learn more about purchasing U.S. sorghum and incorporating it into animal rations; and holding animal nutrition seminars. The Council will continue to work to build demand and familiarization with U.S. sorghum to encourage future imports into Colombia.