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
Higher livestock prices reflect resilient demand, even as disease and herd shifts reshape 2026 supply expectations.
February 10, 2026 04:11 PM
·
Kevin Charleston of Specialty Risk Insurance discusses the importance of grain bin safety and joint efforts with Nationwide to provide farmers and first responders with access to critical, life-saving rescue tubes.
February 10, 2026 03:57 PM
·
RealAg Radio host Sean Haney outlines the Trump Administration’s current trade priorities and what meaningful market expansion looks like for farmers.
February 10, 2026 03:08 PM
·
USDA’s February WASDE report, analysts expect minimal price movement as grain stocks remain steady. Traders weigh renewed Chinese soybean purchases, South American weather, acreage shifts, and upcoming USMCA trade talks.
February 10, 2026 01:11 PM
·
A transition from traditional, technology-specific subsidies toward a performance-based, technology-neutral framework
February 10, 2026 08:00 AM
·
Lower freight costs helped sustain export demand amid a challenging pricing environment.
February 10, 2026 06:00 AM
·