The Sorghum Checkoff newsletter reports exports of U.S. grain sorghum have passed last year’s total in only four months by reaching 237 million bushels, 12 percent higher than last year’s sales, reports the Amarillo Globe-News.
China has surpassed Mexico as the heaviest importer of sorghum, mainly for livestock feed.
“They saw a large import margin and high nutritional value, so they brought in sorghum,” said Brian Lohmar, director of the U.S. Grains Council office in China. “I think the big surprise was it went from zero to 118 million bushels in a year.”
The Chinese demand for U.S. grain sorghum has helped growers. Establishing a stable market with China could lead to a more diverse market and long-term producer profitability.