USSEC recently provided trade service to aqua feed mills and fish producers that consume U.S. soybean meal in Costa Rica and Honduras.
Consultants Jairo Amezquita and Gerardo Luna visited four aqua feed mills in Costa Rica and two in Honduras to provide trade service regarding purchasing methodology and analyzing opportunities to improve their positions.  During the meetings, Mr. Luna used presentations and resources on a range of potential topics to be discussed, including market perspectives, market fundamental analysis, sources of information, price discovery, marketing alternatives, pricing, and hedging fundamentals.  Examples were used according to specific needs and later shared as follow-up.  These meetings turned into long and interesting discussions, focusing on key items relevant to customers which led to further talk about their needs.
The consultants also visited the Yojoa Lake Project in Honduras to see the tilapia production process where Mr. Amezquita gave some recommendations to improve the process.  During meetings, discussion turned to looking at opportunities to work together in projects such as trade servicing in FY15.  All customers expressed interest in participating in training and educational opportunities.
Some of the customers who were visited will be part of a team attending the upcoming U.S. Soy Global Trade Exchange.