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Iowa trade delegation returns from Vietnam and the Philippines

Iowa Ag Secretary Mike Naig says he’s optimistic about expanded trading opportunities with Vietnam and the Philippines after his recent trade mission to Southeast Asia.

“While they are very strong markets, I would consider them to be more developing in nature.”

He tells Brownfield the region’s animal protein consumption is expected to increase by 20% over the next five years.

“We’ve also got both countries looking at growing their livestock and growing their own protein,” Naig said, “and so from a feed standpoint – corn, soybeans, soybean meal, DDGs – all of that is a huge potential for us.”

In 2022, Iowa companies exported $227 million in agricultural goods to Vietnam and $273 million to the Philippines.

The trade mission was coordinated by the Iowa Economic Development Authority.