US Wheat Industry Reps in Brazil To Discuss Imports

Representatives of the U.S. wheat industry are in Brazil this week to talk about demand once the tariff-free quota of 750,000 metric tons is opened by Brazil. The U.S. group met with the president of Brazil's wheat milling association Abitrigo, Rubens Barbosa. "They know Brazil will continue to import significant amounts of wheat in coming years, and they want to increase their share of that market," he commented, adding the group supports the import quota since it will provide the industry access to greater supply at lower prices. There has been no date set for implementation of the quota that will cover wheat from all sources, but Barbosa noted the government is working on the regulation. The U.S. is expected to hold some competitive advantage under the quota, but Russia has been making overtures to Brazil as a wheat supplier which could be a factor.