SEATTLE, October 23, 2014 — Export Exchange 2014 wrapped up Wednesday in Seattle with eight teams of overseas grains buyers heading to the United States’ Midwest to see the U.S. coarse grains production and export systems first hand. An additional 10 teams toured the system before attending the conference.

Held every other year by the U.S. Grains Council (USGC) and the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA), Export Exchange brings together more than 200 international buyers with U.S. sellers of corn, sorghum, barley, distiller’s dried grains with solubles (DDGS), corn gluten meal and corn gluten feed. Over the course of three days of events and the pre- and post-tours, these individuals not only do business directly but also make connections to facilitate future sales.

“The point of Export Exchange isn’t just the sales that were made this week,” said Ron Gray, USGC chairman. “For us, this effort is about establishing and nurturing relationships with our customers that will continue to grow when they get back home and in the years to come.”

In addition to meeting with suppliers, foreign attendees at Export Exchange were briefed on the global supply and demand situation, key economic drivers affecting the global feed grains trade and the latest developments in shipping, financing and the U.S. policy environment.

The United States is the world’s largest exporter of coarse grains, and with a record corn harvest just now reaching export channels, the pre- and post- Export Exchange tours are an opportunity for the world’s top buyers to see the U.S. supply and quality for themselves.

“This year’s Export Exchange was a resounding success,” said Bob Dinneen, president and CEO of the Renewable Fuels Association. “In addition to new business agreements, it is my hope that attendees from all across the world will return home with a better understanding of international grain markets, domestic supply and demand of DDGS and coarse grains, and the current political landscape.”

Trade teams in the field Thursday through the beginning of next week hail from regions as diverse as Egypt, Japan, China, the European Union and Southeast Asia. The Council works directly in all of these markets, with offices in 10 locations outside of the United States. More about this work is available at www.grains.org.

More about Export Exchange 2014 is available at www.exportexchange.com and by searching #ExEx14 on social media.