Miller Magazine Issue: 147 March 2022

42 MILLER / march 2022 NEWS Focusing on his theme of Together in Trade, U.S. Grains Council Chairman Chad Willis welcomed 240 attendees to the 19th International Marketing Conference and 62nd Annu- al Membership Meeting on Monday, Feb. 14, 2022, in Green- ville, S.C., while also laying out three major topics of discus- sion for the meeting: trade policy, China and global shipping. “My theme for this year, Together in Trade, reflects both the opportunities and challenges of the current trade environ- ment,” Willis said. “At this meeting, we gather to discuss is- sues facing our industry and explore future demand for feed grains, distiller’s grains and ethanol around the world, includ- ing three drivers of global demand that impact every market in which we work – trade policy, China and global shipping.” “Exports of our products have seen a major resurgence this year. The gains can largely be attributed to the quality of the commodities you, the producer, supply, and the work of Council agribusiness members and our staff in our extensive network that stretches around the world and back again,” CEO Ryan LeGrand said. U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai provided a record- ed message that focused on relations with Mexico, China and the importance of new market diversification. She also highlighted the Phase 1 Agreement and the need to hold China accountable for its purchasing promises. “We have been holding direct conversations with China over the last several months to hold China accountable for the agricultural commitments made in the Phase 1 Agreement…It is clear that China’s purchases have not fully met the level committed un- der the agreement and that’s why we have been actively en- gaged with our counterparts in Beijing about how they plan to address these shortfalls.” Jason Hafemeister, U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (US- DA’s) acting deputy under secretary for trade and foreign affairs, offered an overview of export and trade policy chal- lenges and opportunities for the U.S. agricultural sector; Sha- ron Yuan, president of the Asia Group, touched on the trade relationship with China and what the future could look like for the U.S. and China; Bill Rooney, vice president of strategic development for Kuehne & Nagel, gave an update on the current state of global shipping and transportation manage- ment and what it means for the United States; and the first general session ended with an address from John Lummus, of the Upstate SC Alliance, who spoke to the importance of international investment and trade in South Carolina. USGC Conference highlights export challenges