USSEC Launches Pacific Northwest Mission to Connect U.S. Soy Producers with Global Markets
The U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) has initiated a significant Exploratory Mission in the Pacific Northwest (PNW), designed to connect American soy producers and exporters with key international buyers. The aim of this event is to underline the PNW's strategic role as a vital hub, facilitating access to expanding global markets across the Pacific Ocean.
"This mission represents our proactive approach to adapting to changing global trade dynamics. By providing diverse supply options, we are reinforcing confidence and assurance for our international customers, especially during times of market unpredictability," stated Carlos Salinas, Executive Director for East Asia at USSEC.
Salinas emphasized that the event is a vital opportunity to demonstrate the effectiveness, reliability, and sustainability of the U.S. soy supply chain. The mission fosters essential face-to-face connections between exporters and buyers, which are crucial for building trust and increasing both immediate and long-term sales in the global market.
In 2024, approximately 21% of all U.S. soybean and soybean meal exports were transported through the ten regional ports located in the states of Washington and Oregon. This statistic highlights the importance of the PNW in extending the reach of U.S. soy on a worldwide scale. The four-day mission features several significant activities including market insight sessions, guided tours of local ports and grain handling facilities, along with personalized opportunities for importers and exporters to engage directly in one-on-one discussions.
One of the primary objectives of the mission is to boost the demand for U.S. soybeans and soybean meal in growth markets in Northeast, South, and Southeast Asia, attributed to the rising middle class and economic robustness in these regions. According to Craig Pietig, USSEC Board Director and Vice President of Ag Products at AG Processing Inc., "Asia's vibrant growth and increasing demand for high-quality and sustainable protein present a remarkable opportunity for U.S. Soy. This mission showcases how top-tier logistics and strong partnerships create a direct link between U.S. soy producers and international buyers, facilitating access to reliably sourced, sustainably farmed soybeans and soybean meal for the feed and food sectors in Asia."
USSEC is dedicated to promoting U.S. soy options for various markets, emphasizing its strategic importance for both human consumption and animal feed across over 90 countries. The council's members span the entire soy supply chain, including American soy farmers, processors, commodity shippers, and agricultural organizations. Additionally, USSEC's initiatives are partly funded through the Soy Checkoff and matching funds from the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service.
This mission not only acts as a platform for showcasing U.S. soy but also fosters relationships that are crucial for the long-term sustainability and growth of both American farmers and international markets in the competitive agricultural landscape. As demand continues to surge in Asia for sustainably produced soy products, USSEC's active role in facilitating these connections is bound to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of U.S. soy exports.