USSEC connects U.S. Soy to markets through a Pacific Northwest mission 

By Lyndsey Erb, USSEC Director of Industry Affairs 

The U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) hosted an exploratory mission in the Pacific Northwest (PNW) in November. It highlighted the value of this region as a strategic gateway delivering U.S. Soy, especially soybean meal, to growing, high-demand Pacific Rim markets. 

The four-day mission brought together more than 125 soy buyers from key growth markets in Northeast, South and Southeast Asia, regional exporters and processors and U.S. soybean farmers supplying soy to PNW ports. Together, they toured regional ports and grain handlers and learned about significant investments in rail, processing and port infrastructure. Plus, participants had opportunities to engage in one-on-one conversations. 

The exploratory mission exemplifies how USSEC responds proactively to evolving global trade patterns, offering diversified supply options and building confidence and continuity for international customers – even amid market uncertainty. 

The mission’s goal was to showcase the efficiency, reliability and sustainability of the U.S. Soy supply chain. The face-to-face connections made between exporters and buyers build confidence and grow both immediate and long-term U.S. Soy sales. That benefits Indiana soybean farmers. 

Serving demanding markets 

Throughout the mission, USSEC focused on increasing demand for U.S. soybeans and soybean meal in Asian markets that are growing due to rising middle class and economic strength. 

Dynamic growth in these markets increases appetite for high-quality, sustainable protein. 

That creates opportunity that U.S. Soy can fill. Our team showcased how world-class logistics and partnerships connect farmers and the soy value chain directly with international buyers. U.S. Soy can easily deliver reliable, sustainably grown soybeans and soybean meal to Asia’s feed and food sectors. 

Connecting farm to port 

As the second-largest export gateway for U.S. Soy after the U.S. Gulf, the PNW offers new diversification to U.S. Soy exports in key growth markets across the Pacific Ocean, including markets like Vietnam, Thailand and Bangladesh. In 2024, 21 percent of U.S. soybeans and soybean meal exports moved through 10 regional ports in Washington and Oregon, according to the Soy Transportation Coalition. 

During the exploratory mission, market insight sessions described the extensive infrastructure serving the PNW region, such as a rail system that quickly and reliably transports soy, as well as global market trends and new research quantifying U.S. Soy’s significant quality advantages in soybean meal. 

A panel of U.S. soybean farmers shared their commitment to growing sustainable, high-quality soybeans and explained how regional soybean crush expansion in the U.S. strengthens the entire value chain. 

U.S. Soy quality and reliability 

USSEC’s exploratory mission to the PNW successfully laid the foundation for enhanced capacity and diversified export markets for U.S. Soy. By connecting farmers and exporters directly with international buyers and showcasing the infrastructure that connects farms to global markets, USSEC is helping ensure that U.S. – and Indiana – soybean farmers remain competitive on the world stage. 

As soybean consumption continues to grow globally, Indiana farmers should see a return on this investment with increased demand and higher confidence in U.S. Soy’s ability to serve key Pacific Rim export markets. 

The insights gained during the mission, from technical presentations on protein quality and lysine content to direct port facility observations, provided the U.S. Soy value chain with the knowledge needed to understand and capitalize on emerging market opportunities. 

By building confidence in the quality, value, sustainability and reliability of the U.S. Soy supply and infrastructure serving PNW export destinations, USSEC positions U.S. soybean farmers for sustained growth in international markets.