Iowa Lieutenant Governor Kim Reynolds traveled to Thailand from April 5-12 to promote the sales of U.S. soybeans and soymeal to that country.  The delegation also included Kirk Leeds, CEO of the Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) and USSEC Vice-Chairman, and Brian Kemp, ISA president and soybean farmer.  According to a statement from Lt. Gov. Reynolds’ office, “Thailand, with a population over 69 million, has the largest and most sophisticated ag and food industry in Southeast Asia,” representing a “tremendous potential to increase Iowa’s exports” and an excellent international marketing opportunity for U.S. soy. 

U.S. soybean exports to Thailand have grown from 143,000 metric tons in 2010 to an estimated 600,000 metric tons in 2014.