Decades of work built large and loyal markets in Japan, Taiwan

Ascribing these attributes to an overseas market requires decades of high-quality market development work by organizations like the U.S. Grains Council. USGC leadership embarked on the annual Chairman’s Mission recently to recognize the importance of two markets that exemplify the success of long-term trading relationships­—Japan and Taiwan.

USGC officers and leadership traveled to Japan and Taiwan to demonstrate their appreciation to loyal customers and partners in those markets.

Joining Keller were Jim Stitzlein, USGC vice chairman; Tom Sleight, USGC president and chief executive officer; Tim Tierney, USGC director of strategic marketing/ethanol, North Asia; and Abigail Appleton, USGC executive assistant.

Celebrating 45 years of effort In Taiwan

The delegation officially acknowledged 45 years of partnership between the council and Taiwanese government and industry while there. Since the Taiwan office was established in 1973, the council’s technical programs have focused on helping feed millers and livestock and poultry producers manage their operations efficiently and use U.S. feed grains effectively.

“It has been an honor for the council to partner with Taiwan’s companies and associations for more than four decades, and we have watched with awe as Taiwan’s food and agricultural industries flourished,” Keller said during a reception celebrating the 45th anniversary of the opening of the council’s office in Taiwan. “The council is proud of this partnership and is grateful for the exemplary work of our Taiwan office in sustaining such a remarkable level of cooperation.”

Maintaining a market in Japan

The council has also served as a bridge between importers, grain processors and end-users in Japan—all important partners of the U.S. agriculture industry—since the council first opened an office there in 1961.

Through these close relationships, the council has contributed to the rapid growth of Japanese livestock and feed industries. In turn, these industries have become some of the best customers for U.S. coarse grains and related products.

“Japan is now a mature and stable market for U.S. feed grains,” Stitzlein said. “The council is committed to continuing high-level engagement with industry, trade and government to protect existing market share and looking for new growth opportunities for U.S. sorghum, barley, DDGS and ethanol.”

Continuing a commitment to working together

No matter the commodity, the council’s officers saw firsthand the importance of strong, continued relationships with key stakeholders in Japan and Taiwan. For these markets to stay large and loyal, U.S. farmers and agribusinesses must continue to invest in technical exchange between industries and provide assurances the United States is committed to these partnerships for decades to come.

“Expressing the value U.S. agriculture places on our long-time cooperation is especially important in the current trade environment,” Keller said. “Our customers want policy predictability and certainty to continue planning together for the long-term success of our trading relationship.”