Iowa strengthens relations with Taiwan and Japan with trade mission • Iowa Capital Dispatch

Menke said in a statement that the trip built Iowa’s “longstanding friendships and partnerships” with Japan and Taiwan.Strong, stable markets that “deeply value” and are “highly dependent” on exports from Iowa.

The delegation included representatives from the Iowa Cattle Industry Council, Iowa Corn Growers Association, Iowa Farm Bureau Federation, Iowa Pork Producers Association, Iowa Soybean Association and agricultural processing companies, who traveled with the deputy secretary to Tokyo and Osaka in Japan and Taipei, Taiwan .

Menke said in the press release that the visits and tours showcase Japanese and Taiwanese innovations, provide insights into Iowa agriculture and “validate the potential and desire for larger volumes of Iowa agricultural exports to Japan and Taiwan in the future.”

“Iowa is an agricultural production center, so it is vital for our state’s farmers and agribusinesses to be able to share our abundance with the world through trade and seek new market opportunities for Iowa agricultural products through participation in international trade missions,” Menke said. .

Strengthened relationships with international trading partners could become more important if President-elect Donald Trump implements the tariffs for which he campaigned. Some fear it could lead to another US-China trade war.

Menke and the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship declined to comment on potential tariffs.

The overseas visit was organized by the Iowa Economic Development Authority in partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service and national trade councils.