USSEC recently contracted Paul Smolen, a grain and soymeal trader, to identify emerging opportunities for U.S. soy in the European market. Smolen met with feed compounders, poultry, swine and dairy integrators, and soy importers in Poland and Denmark. Jerzy Kosieradzki, USSEC Northeast Europe contractor accompanied Smolen in Poland and Mark Andersen, regional director for the EU, CIS and Turkey, joined Smolen in Denmark.

“We want Paul to evaluate the Northern EU key markets that have the most potential for U.S. exports on the levels of market characteristics, trade flow, competitiveness and customer profile,” Andersen said. “We want to better understand the opportunities and challenges in the individual customer’s business as well as the local markets.”

Smolen noted three approaches to achieve USSEC’s objective. First, improve customer recognition and utilize the market value of U.S. soy. Second, improve cost efficiencies and market access. And last, reduce transactional risk by strengthening the relationship between U.S. suppliers and foreign customers.

“In effect, I am asking the customer to help USSEC help them,” Smolen added.

In the coming months, Smolen will meet with key customers in Spain, Ireland, United Kingdom and Germany to continue to identify market opportunities for U.S. soy.

Paul Smolen (right) met with Maciej Tomaszewicz, secretary general of the Polish Grain & Feed Chamber, to discuss the developments in the Polish livestock and feed industries.