Although the U.S. faces higher global grain supplies, lower demand and a strong dollar, Department of Agriculture officials still see the Western Hemisphere as a place where trading is strong, especially with grain trade opportunities in Chile and Peru.
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack led a trade development mission in mid-March where the U.S. Grains Council (USGC) had the opportunity to visit both countries to assess the potential for the future of U.S. agricultural imports.
“This week, we were able to see firsthand the conditions on the ground in Peru and Chile,” USGC Chairman Alan Tiemann, who was part of the mission, said. “This allowed us to build off our key partnerships we’ve formed in the past to develop trust and understanding with more of the local industry. The knowledge team members gained this week will also enhance the U.S. industry’s ability to quickly recognize and react to opportunities and challenges in these markets.”
In Chile, the USGC representatives were able to explore the potential of a large protein provider importing U.S. grains for feed. However, high prices and logistical constraints have made it hard to accomplish this goal.
In Peru, the trade-based economy is growing and is devoted to free and open trade. One important note was the focus on ethanol in Peru.
“Our goal is to expand ethanol use globally,” USGC Regional Director for the Western Hemisphere Marri Carrow said. “We are not looking to displace Peru’s domestic ethanol production but to ensure its viability. Peru’s record of market openness through [free-trade associations] makes for a good potential partner in global ethanol promotion.”
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