Vietnam has lifted its suspension on imports of U.S. distiller’s dried grains with solubles (DDGS) and eased its fumigation requirements for U.S. corn and wheat imports.
“We are very pleased to hear the news from Vietnam that … import permits will be issued for U.S. DDGS and new phosphine fumigation protocols will be acceptable for shipments of U.S. corn, DDGS and wheat,” said U.S. Grains Council (USGC) President and CEO Tom Sleight.
He said that, since the suspension on imports was put in place late last year, the USGC has worked closely with industry and government in the U.S. and Vietnam to resolve the issue, with the support of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) and its Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR).
“While we never want to see a market closed to our products for any reason, this was an example of how to effectively and comprehensively tackle a scientific challenge impeding trade flows,” Sleight said. “It was also a reminder of the importance of strong trade policy. Vietnam is one of the fastest growing feed markets in the world, and the disruptions and losses this issue caused reinforce the need for agreements that ensure open access and outline resolution processes for mutual concerns.”
