Saudi Arabia Imports U.S. Corn Co-Products

The U.S. Grains Council, in August 2011, successfully achieved the inclusion of distiller’s dried grains with solubles (DDGS), corn gluten feed and other U.S. commodities on the Saudi Arabian import subsidy list. Inclusion on this import subsidy list is essential in eliciting interest from Saudi importers of these products. This effort paid off when a Saudi Arabian company, ARASCO, purchased a bulk shipment of U.S. DDGS destined to reach Saudi Arabia in January 2014.With DDGS on the import subsidy list, the Council using MAP and FMD funds, has undertaken a broad-based effort to educate Saudi feed millers, poultry and livestock producers about this corn co-product. This bulk shipment of DDGS to ARASCO creates excellent opportunities for future U.S. exports to Saudi Arabia. ARASCO also purchased 150,000 metric tons (5.9 million bushels) of U.S. corn for delivery split between January and February 2014. Saudi Arabia has been a steady buyer of U.S. corn. These still remain relatively new products in Saudi Arabia, and the Council continues to educate end-users using MAP and FMD funds, on the benefits of these corn co-products to help build potential future demand.