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
Grain shippers face lower freight values thanks to weak soybean exports and strong rail service, but barge traffic and forward Gulf loadings suggest continued uncertainty as harvest ramps up.
September 17, 2025 04:01 PM
·
The Fertilizer Research Act, reintroduced by Sens. Grassley, Ernst, and Baldwin, would direct the USDA to study and publish public reports on competition and pricing trends in the fertilizer market.
September 16, 2025 05:08 PM
·
Allowing year-round sales of E15 nationally could deliver billions in economic gains, according to a new study from the Renewable Fuels Association and National Corn Growers Association.
September 16, 2025 02:29 PM
·
Producers may need to prepare for margin pressure in livestock feeding, while dairy farmers could benefit from stronger product demand.
September 16, 2025 12:42 PM
·
