The Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) Market Development department hosted their first consulate meeting at the Lombard office on Monday, April 10th. Eileen Urish, Trade and Exports Manager, Todd Main, Director of Market Development and David Kubik, Public Policy Manager, met with the Indonesian Ministry of Trade to discuss continued collaboration and the opportunity to explore new developments in the soybean industry.
“Indonesian consumers appreciate the consistent supply of high-quality Illinois soybeans and ISA is committed to deepening and strengthening our relationship in this important market,” says Main. “Our 43,000 Illinois soybean farmers’ products are grown sustainably, delivered efficiently, and used as a versatile source of protein for human and animal consumption.
Iska Huberta Sinurat, Director at Indonesia Ministry of Trade
Indonesia is a top importer of U.S. soybeans at 2.5 MMT. They are the most populus country in Southeast Asia, making them a great customer of soybeans for traditional soy foods such as tofu or tempeh.
ISA welcomes soybean, meal, and oil buyers from around the world to see the soybean industry firsthand, and experience the meaningful advantages Illinois soy offers to domestic and international customers alike. This meeting is a result of the new Trade and Export strategy to foster relationships with local and global leaders to drive demand for Illinois soy.
“Connecting with the Indonesian Ministry of Trade allowed us to hear their insight on the market in that region and potential issues or opportunities for ISA and Illinois farmers,” says Urish. “We were glad to learn more about the work they’re doing in Illinois and discuss the ways ISA can help support their goals.”
Continues Urish, “The ISA Market Development team looks forward to future partnerships with Indonesia and other Consulates in Chicago.”
To learn more about ISA’s Trade and Export initiatives, visit https://www.ilsoy.org/focus-areas/market-development/trade-exports/.
