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USSEC optimistic about exports under new administration

The CEO of the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) says he’s optimistic soybean exports can rebound under the Trump administration.

Jim Sutter tells Brownfield about 60% of U.S. soybeans are exported.

“I believe that the U.S. has product that people around the world want to buy, and that the administration that’s coming into place, I think they want to continue to support U.S. farmers,” he says.

He says while soybean meal exports set records in the past marketing year, overall soybean export volumes were down. 

“We were operating on kind of limited supplies of beans that were available.”  He says, “At the same time, there was increased production in South America. And then the third thing is the additional crush here in the U.S.  I think all those things kind of created the perfect storm, if you will, for soybean exports. So those were down.”

Sutter says supplies have rebounded and threatened tariffs may cause challenges, but…

“At the end of the day, I think that we’re going to continue to have strong trade in U.S. agricultural products.”  He says, “I believe people will want to continue to source their soy from the United States.”

Sutter says USSEC has long-standing relationships with numerous trade customers which should also help ensure continued markets for U.S. soybeans.

AUDIO: Jim Sutter – USSEC