Thailand MOU Could Reopen U.S. Corn Export Market

Thailand will not replace major corn buyers overnight, but renewed access could create another outlet for U.S. corn demand.

NASHVILLE, TENN. (RFD NEWS) — U.S. corn growers may have a new export opportunity in Thailand after U.S. suppliers and Thai buyers signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to support future corn trade. U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council President and CEO Ryan LeGrand says Thailand currently buys no U.S. corn.

LeGrand says meaningful Thai purchases have been absent for years. He says Thailand has not imported more than 100,000 metric tons of U.S. corn since the early 2000s, and last reached about 20 million bushels in the mid-1990s.

The new agreement could change that. LeGrand says Thailand may be ready to buy at least one million metric tons, or roughly 39-40 million bushels, with annual needs closer to 118-157 million bushels.

The Council develops export markets for U.S. corn, barley, sorghum, ethanol, and related products, including distillers’ grains.

LeGrand says the next step is execution, with exporters needing to sell and deliver the bushels.

Farm-Level Takeaway: Thailand will not replace major corn buyers overnight, but renewed access could create another outlet for U.S. corn demand.
Tony St. James, RFD News Markets Specialist
Related Stories
The USDA is moving to close the farm trade gap through promotion, missions, and stronger export financing.
Midwest corn and soy producers are monitoring for disease and lower yields due to the ongoing drought over the last 30 days.
Industry-wide participation in SHIP enhances biosecurity and fosters global trust in U.S. pork, says swine health expert, Dr. Christine Mainquist-Whigham.
A new study by the National Grains and Feeds Association found that their industry generates $401.7 billion in economic output and supports over 1.16 million jobs nationwide.
National Education Center for Ag Safety Director Dan Neenan joins us to discuss grain bin safety and the steps producers can take to prevent tragedies.
Argentina hopes to boost demand, but critics see the move as a blow to American farmers.

Tony St. James joined the RFD-TV talent team in August 2024, bringing a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to RFD-TV and Rural Radio Channel 147 Sirius XM. In addition to his role as Market Specialist (collaborating with Scott “The Cow Guy” Shellady to provide radio and TV audiences with the latest updates on ag commodity markets), he hosts “Rural America Live” and serves as talent for trade shows.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Ag Committee Chairman Rep. Glenn “GT” Thompson has referred to the proposal as “Farm Bill 2.0.”
Nitrogen and phosphate markets are tightening ahead of spring, keeping fertilizer costs elevated while crop prices lag.
In the U.S. and Canada, reduced planted acres—not yield losses—led to a decline in potato production, while Mexico saw modest gains due to increased yields and harvested areas.
RealAg Radio host Shaun Haney talks about the U.S. House’s latest vote to roll back tariffs on Canada and the ongoing discussions surrounding North American trade.
AFBF Economist Samantha Ayoub discusses the latest data on Chapter 12 farm bankruptcy filings and what the troubling trend signals for the farm economy. At the same time, bigger loans and higher rates are squeezing working capital and increasing financial risk.
Corn demand remains supportive, but weaker soybean buying limits overall export momentum.