Using MAP (Market Access Program) funds, the U.S. Grains Council sponsored a buyer team from Colombia to the U.S. in June 2103. The participants in the buyer team were from the Colombian feed mill, Italco, which is one of the largest grain importers in Colombia.
The importing group met with U.S. corn and sorghum producers in Texas and visited with exporting companies in Texas and Louisiana.
As a result of the recently passed U.S. – Colombia Free Trade Agreement (FTA), an opportunity for U.S. corn and sorghum exports to Colombia has been created. Italco personnel seeking to capitalize on these opportunities purchased 20 thousand metric tons of U.S. corn valued at $6 million. In addition, they purchase one container (20 metric tons) of U.S. sorghum for trials in poultry rations valued at $6,000.
The Council invested US$15,000 (using MAP funding) in sponsoring the participation of the Colombian executives on the Buying Mission. As a result, over $6.0 million in export sales of U.S. grains were generated with an ROI of US$440 per MAP US$1 invested.
Colombia imports approximately 3.6 million metric tons of corn per year. Over the last couple of years the U.S. has lost its dominant market share in Colombia to South American producers. In an effort to regain this lost market share in Colombia and to build on the recent passage of the U.S. – Colombia Free Trade Agreement, the Council is actively engaged in promoting the advantages of buying U.S. feed grains in Colombia using MAP funds.
About The U.S. Grains Council
The U.S. Grains Council develops export markets for U.S. barley, corn, sorghum and related products including distiller’s dried grains with solubles (DDGS) and ethanol. With full-time presence in 28 locations, the Council operates programs in more than 50 countries and the European Union. The Council believes exports are vital to global economic development and to U.S. agriculture’s profitability. Detailed information about the Council and its programs is online at www.grains.org.