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
This case could influence how much leverage grain shippers have when a preferred rail outlet is blocked or priced too high.
Farm Bureau economist Dr. Faith Parum says EPA’s final biofuel volumes keep corn demand steady and strengthen the outlook for soybean-based diesel feedstocks.
Global soybean competition is moving deeper into crush capacity, logistics, and value-added product control.
Industry leaders say overseas markets remain critical as USDA pushes for broader export opportunities.
RealAg Radio’s Shaun Haney and other experts break down ongoing energy market volatility, its impact on producer decision-making, and key indicators farmers should monitor moving forward.
Flour milling demand stayed generally steady, but total wheat grind remained slightly softer year over year.
