Last month, the U.S. Grains Council (USGC) spearheaded promotional efforts for U.S. Corn Fermented Protein (CFP) and Distiller’s Dried Grains with Solubles (DDGS) in South Korea and Taiwan, aiming to expand its market share in these key agricultural trade partners. The events focused on the growing animal feed and aquaculture industries, which hold substantial potential for increased imports of these U.S. agricultural products.
The marketing drive began in Taiwan, where USGC Manager of Global Trade Jace Hefner met with USGC Taiwan Director Michael Lu on April 24. The pair prepared for a conference by reviewing the latest market data and discussing strategies to attract new buyers and expand the use of U.S. corn products in Taiwan. “Taiwanese importers and U.S. producers enjoy a strong relationship that results in billions of dollars in sales each year,” Lu noted, underscoring the ongoing efforts to strengthen these ties.
The symposium in Taiwan featured discussions on the superior performance of U.S. corn in poultry diets, with a focus on sustainability and the broader application of corn products in animal feed. Erich Kuss, chief at the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Office of Agricultural Affairs in Taiwan, provided introductory remarks, setting the stage for a fruitful dialogue on U.S. corn’s role in sustainable agriculture.
Hefner then traveled to Seoul to participate in the USGC’s DDGS and CFP Trade Conference on April 30. This conference brought together major U.S. suppliers like The Andersons, Green Plains, and International Feed, who presented their high-protein CFP products to the Korean market, the second-largest importer of U.S. DDGS. The event attracted 80 feed industry buyers and researchers, featuring panel discussions, presentations, and one-on-one consultation sessions aimed at boosting awareness and sales of U.S. products.
“South Korea, as one of the top seafood-consuming countries globally, is witnessing expansion in its aquaculture industry to meet rising demand,” Hefner explained. He emphasized the benefits of introducing U.S. feed additives to Korean buyers, highlighting their potential to improve yields and generate future sales.
The visit concluded with a tour of an eel farm in Gochang and the container unloading and storage facilities at Gwangyang Port, a major entry point for DDGS imports into Korea. Here, participants observed firsthand the potential application of CFP products in aquaculture feeds.
Haksoo Kim, USGC Director in Korea, shared optimistic projections for the growth of CFP imports, stating, “Approximately 2,000 tons of CFP products were imported into the Korean market in the first quarter of this year, a first for the country. I expect this to increase to over 100,000 tons within the next few years.” Kim also noted the competitive potential of U.S. CFP products against South American soybean meal in various feed applications.
The USGC's active engagement in these markets underscores its commitment to promoting U.S. agricultural products while fostering sustainable agricultural practices across the globe.
