
Nearly 250 international buyers and end-users of coarse grains and co-products from more than 50 countries have gathered in Fort Worth, Texas, this week for Export Exchange 2024. The event, which runs through Wednesday, connects these global participants with nearly 300 U.S. suppliers and service providers, offering a unique opportunity to foster trade relationships across the value chain.
Co-sponsored by the U.S. Grains Council (USGC), Growth Energy, and the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA), Export Exchange 2024 is a premier event focused on promoting U.S. corn, distiller’s dried grains with solubles (DDGS), sorghum, barley, and other related commodities to international buyers.
“Ninety-five percent of potential customers and three-fourths of the world’s purchasing power are outside the U.S. – another reason why Export Exchange is so critical to our industry,” said USGC Chairwoman Verity Ulibarri. “The U.S. Grains Council strives to develop new markets and encourage trade by offering technical education and trade teams for buyer groups to better understand how to buy and use U.S. grains.”
Prior to the event, the Council organized 21 trade teams to provide international buyers with a closer look at the U.S. value chain, visiting key states such as Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. The tours offered insights into the U.S. corn harvest, DDGS production at ethanol plants, and port facilities, strengthening relationships between global buyers and U.S. suppliers.
The conference, taking place at the Omni Fort Worth, highlights the potential for expanding U.S. grain exports, with a focus on connecting domestic agribusinesses with global demand. After the event, 13 more trade teams will embark on post-conference tours, further exploring U.S. agricultural capabilities.
Follow along on social media using the hashtag #ExEx24.