Taiwan Livestock Industry Represents Mature Market For U.S. Agriculture

As the agricultural industry in Taiwan returned to in-person activities – following local health protocols – in late 2020, the U.S. Grains Council (USGC) continued to share information on the quality, use and price of U.S. coarse grains and products to key stakeholders in that mature market.

The Council participated in the Livestock Taiwan Expo & Forum 2020 in early November 2020, a three-in-one event that included the livestock, aquaculture and agri-tech industries. The event included more than 280 in-person exhibitors and nearly 130 online exhibitors from nine countries. The three-day tradeshow gathered more than 25,000 visits.

“This event successfully helped important stakeholders in the Taiwanese livestock industry learn the latest market and academic information,” said Michael Lu, USGC director in Taiwan. “The Council used this opportunity to strengthen our relationships in one of the most loyal markets for U.S. corn and distiller’s dried grains with solubles (DDGS).”

The Council discussed hog industry development during a portion of the event focused on new technology, products and trends. Staff also supported other exhibitors at the event who use U.S. corn and DDGS in their products by helping provide market information, applications for animal nutrition and other related resources.

“Attendees recognized the high standards of the Taiwan agriculture and livestock industries, along with strong capabilities for innovation and market potential within Asia,” Lu said. “We were able to demonstrate products and services, share the latest information and facilitate one-on-one business meetings between exhibitors and buyers.”

The Council has worked in Taiwan since 1973, focusing on helping livestock and poultry producers and feed millers use U.S. feed grains effectively and manage their operations efficiently. Taiwan is now a stable and mature market, ranking as the 10th largest market for U.S. corn in the 2019/2020 marketing year at 805,000 metric tons (31.7 million bushels).

The hog industry in Taiwan represents about 14 percent of the country’s agricultural value, with Taiwanese producers meeting about 90 percent of domestic demand. These producers prefer to use U.S. corn in their feed rations because of its quality, consistency and palatability. Each year, the Council jointly conducts workshops with the National Animal Industry Foundation to provide information on these topics and share the latest scientific information on corn and DDGS inclusion in hog diets.

The Council’s involvement in these activities plays an important role in not only protecting existing market share, but also in increasing demand for corn, DDGS and other U.S. agricultural products.

Learn more about the Council’s work in Taiwan.