Summary: International trade has been in the news lately particularly with the pledge by China to buy U.S. soybeans. The department’s International Marketing Section works year-round to foster business relationships abroad for North Carolina farmers and agribusinesses.
Commissioner Troxler talks to Southern Farm Network on soybean deal with China
- International trade is important to U.S. and North Carolina farmers alike, providing markets for many commodities and food products.
- Around 95% of the world population lives outside the U.S., which means there are many opportunities abroad.
- China’s announcement last week that it would buy U.S. soybeans was welcomed news across the country. Farmers have expressed cautious optimism and bean prices jumped slightly with the news.
- We are very dependent on international trade to sell ag products, not only for North Carolina but throughout the United States.
- In North Carolina, we have a dedicated international marketing team in the department that travels all over the world helping farmers and agribusinesses market their commodities and goods.
- I have been on several trade missions overseas and our team has developed some great partnerships over the years helping to build relationships with international buyers. In fact, on one trip when we were in Europe we saw North Carolina sweet potatoes for sale in local markets.
- China has been one of the largest buyers of soybeans in the past and we are hopeful this recent announcement will have a positive impact on the price of soybeans for North Carolina farmers.
- Low commodity prices coupled with increasing input costs have been major sources of concern for growers.
- We have significant need for soybeans in North Carolina for animal feed, but traditionally, Asian markets have been strong for North Carolina soybeans.
- Taiwan and China have been the two biggest buyers of North Carolia soybeans in the past few years.
- China purchased over $44 million worth of soybeans in 2023 and Taiwan purchased over $17 million.
- 2021 saw over $21 million in sales to Taiwan and over $17 million to China.
- And, of course the Chinese market for tobacco is significant, too. China has purchased over $228 million worth of North Carolina tobacco annually in 2023, 2024 and 2025.
- Our International Marketing Specialists stay busy. A few highlights include:
– hosting 60 activities with 31 N.C. companies that have produced $14 million in sales. That represents a return on investment of $87.22 per $1 per company.
– hosted 50-plus international buyers at global shows, generating over $6.4 million in sales.
– facilitated $627 million in tobacco exports to China via USDA APHIS.
– a Japan trade mission led to 50 supplier-buyer meetings and $5 million in projected sales.
– helped North Carolina companies Mt. Olive Pickles, Wicked Crisps and End of Days Distillery enter global markets.
– enabled Parkway Ag’s first wheat export (1,000 Metric Tons) to Taiwan. - International trade is all about building relationships and we are committed to continuing to work to establish North Carolina farmers and agribusinesses as reliable providers of high quality products.
- We want to continue to build on the successes we have had.