The latest report from the U.S. Trade Representative’s Office shows to date China has purchased over $23 billion in U.S. ag products, approximately 71-percent of its target under the Phase One Agreement. As part of that total, China has bought 8.7 million metric tons of U.S. corn. South Dakota Corn Growers Association President Doug Noem says that’s very encouraging for America’s corn farmers.

U.S. corn exports are up over 2019 not just because of China, but increased purchases from Japan, Mexico and Canada.

Noem says all trade deals are critical for U.S. agriculture and bilateral pacts have helped open more markets for U.S. corn.

Noem says it’s also positive the USTR’s office is working to secure trade pacts with both the United Kingdom and the European Union.