Gov. Walz meets with Taiwan Agriculture Delegation to strengthen trade partnership

(ABC 6 News) – Governor Tim Walz met with members of Taiwan’s agriculture industry on Thursday in an effort to strengthen trade partnerships between Taiwan and Minnesota.

Minnesota corn and soybean association representatives along with members of the Taiwanese agriculture industry signed letters of intent outlining Taiwan’s intended purchases of corn and soybean products from Minnesota suppliers.

Governor Walz signed as a witness to the agreements with the value of the purchases estimated to be $2.7 billion.

“Taiwan is a key trading partner with Minnesota, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to build on our relationship,” said Governor Walz. “Strong trade relationships will help Minnesota companies and producers increase their exports, strengthen our economy, and expand economic opportunities across our state.”

“Minnesota’s trade relations are critical to helping our farmers sell their products in the global marketplace,” Minnesota Department of Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen said. “Taiwan and Minnesota have a strong history of agricultural trade, and these agreements build on that foundation. We look forward to opening up more trade opportunities for Minnesota’s farmers and food and ag companies in the future.” 

Earlier this month, Governor Walz announced that exports of manufactured, agricultural, and mining goods from Minnesota were valued at $6.7 billion in the second quarter of 2022, reaching the highest level on record.

Minnesota exports grew 12% between the second quarters of 2021 and 2022.