The Trump administration announced series of trade deals and frameworks with several Asian countries, some of which include new market access for ethanol as well as additional opportunities for corn and corn products, like distiller dried grain solubles.
On Sunday, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) announced agreements on reciprocal trade with Malaysia and Cambodia and frameworks for agreements on reciprocal trade with Thailand and Vietnam.
In response, various agriculture groups shared appreciation for the announcement. National Corn Growers Association President Jed Bower highlighted that some of the deals include new market access for ethanol as well as additional opportunities for corn and corn products, like distiller dried grain solubles.
National Corn Growers Association President Jed Bower in a statement said, “This is all very good news for the nation’s corn growers. Eliminating tariffs on ethanol exports to Malaysia and Cambodia will boost demand. We are encouraged to see that the framework for Thailand included agriculture purchases of corn and DDGS. The announced framework for Vietnam is also promising, as this is already a robust market for DDGS and corn growers are well positioned to supply corn and ethanol as well. We look forward to reviewing more details on the frameworks for Thailand and Vietnam. Corn growers have been calling for deals that will open new markets, and we applaud the Trump administration for listening and acting on our request.”
Growth Energy, the nation’s largest biofuel trade association, also welcomed the trade deals. “American farmers and rural communities want and need new markets—like the ones that will be created and enhanced by these new trade agreements,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “Global demand for ethanol is growing and the Trump administration continues to find ways to create new opportunities for this industry while positioning American producers to make the most of them. These new deals will be welcome news across the heartland, and we commend USTR for its commitment to building American energy dominance through the strength of our trade relationships.”
