Arkansas – Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced the signing of two Letters of Intent with Taiwan’s leading agricultural associations, representing a commitment of at least $5.56 billion in agricultural purchases from Arkansas and the United States between 2026 and 2029.
The Taiwan Feed Industry Association plans to buy 7.5 million metric tons of corn and 1 million metric tons of corn products, valued at about $2.12 billion. The Taiwan Vegetable Oil Manufacturers Association committed to purchasing at least 6.5 million metric tons of soybeans, with an estimated value of $3.44 billion. Final terms will be negotiated between importers and U.S. suppliers.
Sanders described the announcement as an important development for Arkansas farmers, noting that the state’s agricultural sector continues to gain recognition worldwide. She credited the Arkansas Department of Agriculture and Taiwanese partners for collaborating on the agreement.
Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture Wes Ward said the deal highlighted Taiwan’s role as a key trading partner, ranking as the fifth-largest agricultural trading partner for Arkansas and the eighth-largest for the United States.
In 2024, Taiwan imported nearly $3.7 billion in U.S. agricultural products, while Arkansas exported $63.2 million, making Taiwan its fifth-largest export market.
The agreements also align with ongoing U.S.-Taiwan trade initiatives aimed at strengthening cooperation and market access for agricultural products. During a recent visit to Arkansas, Taiwanese representatives toured Bruce Oakley, Inc. in North Little Rock and Bearskin Farm in Lonoke County, while also meeting with stakeholders at the Arkansas Department of Agriculture and the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.