Brazil Opens Up to More U.S. Wheat Imports

U.S. wheat growers are thrilled about a joint announcement from Washington and Brazil that says the South American country will establish a 750,000-ton quota for tariff-free wheat imports.  Steve Mercer with U.S. Wheat Associates said this gives American growers a great opportunity.

"Before, every ton of U.S. wheat  when the TRQ was not open, the millers there had to pay a $10 per ton duty.  It allows us to compete for a significant portion of Brazil's annual wheat imports on a level playing field with Argentina, with Canada, perhaps with other suppliers."

Brazil was the largest importer of wheat in Latin America, as well as the fourth-largest in the world during the 2017-2018 marketing year.  Industry experts said this move could bring some relief to U.S. farmers who have lost export sales after the U.S. pulled out of the TPP.

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