The Iowa Delegation led by Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig has completed a high-level trade mission to Vietnam and Indonesia, aiming to boost agricultural exports and strengthen long-standing partnerships with two of Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing markets. This mission reflects Iowa’s strategy to expand global market access for its corn, soybeans, pork, beef and biofuels as global food demand continues to rise.
Strengthening Ties With Two Rapidly Growing Import Markets
Vietnam and Indonesia have become major importers of American agricultural products, ranking among the most promising destinations for U.S. farm goods. According to the Iowa Economic Development Authority, Vietnam imported more than $4.5 billion in U.S. agricultural goods in 2024, while Indonesia imported $3.8 billion. Iowa alone contributed significantly, exporting over $220 million in agricultural products to Vietnam and nearly $300 million to Indonesia during the same period.
The Iowa Delegation sought to deepen these commercial links by highlighting the quality, reliability and sustainability of Iowa’s agricultural output. As Southeast Asian populations grow and middle-class incomes rise, demand for protein, feed grains and renewable fuels continues to expand—creating strategic openings for American producers.
A Comprehensive Week-Long Mission Across Hanoi and Jakarta
The delegation traveled from November 14–23, stopping in Hanoi and Jakarta for a series of targeted engagements. Organized by the Iowa Economic Development Authority, the mission included representatives from Iowa’s major commodities sectors, including:
- Beef and livestock organizations
- Pork and poultry associations
- Soybean and corn industry groups
- The Iowa Farm Bureau
- Biofuels and grain export specialists
Meetings were arranged with ministry officials, importers, distributors, food companies, and logistics partners. The U.S. Grains Council, U.S. Meat Export Federation, and USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service provided additional support and facilitated business connections.
Secretary Naig noted that the mission reinforced Iowa’s global reputation for producing high-quality and sustainably grown commodities. “There is enormous potential for increased sales,” he said, “as both Vietnam and Indonesia experience rising incomes and expanding consumption needs.”
Growing International Confidence in Iowa’s Agricultural Excellence
Importers in both countries showed strong interest in Iowa’s competitive advantages—high-yield grain production, advanced livestock management, and leadership in renewable fuels like ethanol and biodiesel. Representatives emphasized that Iowa’s sustainable farming practices and reliable supply chains make it a preferred partner for food-insecure and rapidly developing nations.
The Iowa Delegation highlighted how its products support feed, food and fuel markets abroad. For example:
- Corn and soybeans remain essential for animal feed in both countries’ growing livestock sectors.
- Beef and pork exports continue to expand as urban consumers demand more protein.
- Biofuels are increasingly important as Southeast Asian nations adopt cleaner energy policies.
Officials in Hanoi and Jakarta expressed interest in long-term cooperation, joint research, and investment opportunities linked to agricultural technology, supply chains and grain handling.
Trade Missions: A Key Tool for Iowa’s Global Competitiveness
The Iowa Economic Development Authority stressed that trade missions are crucial for expanding Iowa’s global footprint. They help local producers:
- Build trusted relationships with foreign buyers
- Understand market trends and regulatory requirements
- Promote Iowa-branded agricultural excellence
- Encourage inward investment from overseas companies
Additionally, these missions ensure Iowa remains competitive in markets where global rivals—such as Brazil, Australia and Thailand—are also aggressively pursuing agricultural trade partnerships.
A Forward-Looking Approach to Global Food Demand
As global consumption continues to grow, Iowa aims to remain a leading supplier of food, feed and bioenergy. The Iowa Delegation’s recent mission demonstrates a proactive approach to ensuring Iowa farmers maintain access to expanding markets.
With Vietnam and Indonesia projected to experience sustained economic and population growth, demand for high-quality agricultural imports is expected to increase significantly. Iowa’s leadership hopes these strengthened ties will translate into long-term trade gains, greater market stability and enhanced opportunities for Iowa’s farming communities.