U.S. Grains Council sees China’s corn purchase as sign of more sales ahead

By Agri-Pulse Staff

© Copyright Agri-Pulse Communications, Inc.

Washington, April 29 - USDA has announced the export sale of 115,000 metric tons (4.5 million bushels) of U.S. corn to China. Despite strong production gains as a result of market-based reforms instituted 30 years ago, according to the U.S. Grains Council (USGC), the rapid growth of China’s agricultural output has begun to be outpaced by demand. The convergence of China’s demand and production, in conjunction with their dramatic economic growth, has likely encouraged China to open their markets to corn imports.

“For the past 30 years, the U.S. Grains Council has had a presence in China, working with local producers, feed millers and manufacturers to demonstrate the value and cost effectiveness of U.S. corn and their co-products,” said Rick Fruth, USGC chairman and Ohio corn farmer. “We are pleased to see that these market development efforts by the Council are being realized in corn sales to China. We anticipate China to be a long-term importer of U.S. corn and co-products.”

U.S. Grains Council sources suggest six additional cargos of U.S. corn (250,000-300,000 metric tons or 9.8-11.8 million bushels) may have been booked for China delivery.

“This tranche of U.S. corn exports to China is certainly exciting and should pave the way for continuing imports,” said Mike Callahan, USGC senior director for international operations. “As China’s demand continues to increase, along with its economic growth and urbanization, China is likely to rely more heavily on imports as a way to maintain critical supply and demand balances.”

Tom Dorr, USGC president and CEO, says food security with our trading partners is dependent on continuous, transparent and stable trade relationships. “We are hopeful the trade relationship with China will mimic the successful, longstanding relationships the United States shares with other parts of the world,” he said. “This is indeed encouraging news as U.S. corn growers proceed at one of the most rapid paces ever to plant what appears could be another record crop.”

The private, non-profit U.S. Grains Council partnership of farmers and agribusinesses focuses on developing international markets for U.S. barley, corn, grain sorghum and their products through the Council’s Washington, D.C. headquarters and its 10 international offices covering more than 50 countries. Financial support from private industry members, including state checkoffs, agribusinesses, state entities and others, triggers federal matching funds from the USDA resulting in a combined program value of more than $26 million.

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