U.S. Grains Council Works To Facilitate Corn, DDGS Exports To Latin America With Port Management Workshop

To help ease the passage of U.S. agricultural products into Latin America (LTA), the U.S. Grains Council (USGC) recently held a workshop focused on port logistics and management in San Pedro Sula, Honduras.

“U.S. producers enjoy strong trade relationships with many countries in the LTA region, but by streamlining the movement of U.S. goods through standardized quality assurance procedures, the entire value chain can be made more efficient,” said Diana Correa, USGC marketing specialist.

The meeting attracted 38 participants, including private sector industry leaders and government officials focused on agriculture and livestock.

Correa and USGC Regional Consultant Alejandro Gonzalez led the conference and welcomed attendees with an overview of the production and shipping processes for U.S. corn and distiller’s dried grains with solubles (DDGS).

Later programming centered on U.S. quality control protocols and measurement systems and how they ensure feed grains are minimally impacted during the shipping process.

Juan Manuel Echeverria of Terminal de Granos del Pacifico (TERPAC), a major Guatemalan grain terminal, offered his insight into how international supply chain stakeholders can cooperate on transport logistics for the betterment of all parties.

The second day of the workshop featured presentations about the current Honduran grain inspection process and how it intersects with U.S. procedures, a rundown of the Council’s 2024/2025 Corn Export Cargo Quality Report and how specialized terminals can handle different types of materials.

“Engaging with policymakers and shipping specialists in LTA at this workshop helped attendees better understand the regulations and procedures involved in U.S. agricultural exports and the potential time and money to be saved by more closely aligning with U.S. shipping standards,” Correa said.

Learn more about the Council’s work in Latin America here.