Kimberly Karst, USGC director of global programs, traveled to the country as part of the Council's "Year of Trade Servicing," to meet with long-time partners and colleagues in the feed and livestock industry.

While US market share in Taiwan has dropped significantly due to high prices over the past few marketing years, the overall demand for feed grains in Taiwan has remained steady. "The United States still has a very loyal partner and customer in Taiwan," said Karst. "The Taiwanese swine industry, which consumes 43 per cent of all feed production, continues to express a preference for US corn. But the price has to be competitive."

Importers expressed their appreciation for the Council's long dedication to developing Taiwan's animal industries through technical programs and helping local livestock farms modernize and increase their efficiency. The Council was also praised for its trade servicing programs, which have demonstrated the commitment from the US corn industry, and its transparency, high quality of information and reliability to Taiwan.

Over the last 40 years, the Council has played an integral role in building and sustaining close ties between the United States and Taiwan. Through this relationship, Taiwan has remained one of the most stable markets for US agriculture. As US farmers begin planting, Taiwan anxiously awaits to see this year's corn harvest.