Little Rock, Arkansas – Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders has announced the signing of two Letters of Intent (LOIs) with Taiwan’s top agricultural associations. The agreements signal a significant pledge by Taiwan to purchase at least $5.56 billion worth of Arkansas and U.S. agricultural products between 2026 and 2029, offering much-needed support to farmers across the state.
The newly signed agreements involve two key Taiwanese buyers. The Taiwan Feed Industry Association has committed to buying 7.5 million metric tons of corn and 1 million metric tons of corn-related products, collectively valued at around $2.12 billion. Meanwhile, the Taiwan Vegetable Oil Manufacturers Association has agreed to purchase a minimum of 6.5 million metric tons of soybeans, which amounts to approximately $3.44 billion in trade. While the LOIs outline projected volumes and values, final terms and pricing will be determined through direct negotiations between Taiwanese importers and American suppliers.
“Today’s announcement is great news for Arkansas and especially our row crop farmers, who need all the assistance they can get right now,” said Governor Sanders. “I’m incredibly grateful to Secretary Ward, the entire Arkansas Department of Agriculture team, and our Taiwanese partners for collaborating on this multi-billion-dollar investment. All around the world, Arkansas is being recognized for the agricultural powerhouse that it is.”
The agreements represent not only a substantial financial injection into the state’s farming economy but also a reinforcement of Arkansas’s longstanding relationship with Taiwan. Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture Wes Ward emphasized the importance of that relationship, noting, “Today’s Letter of Intent signing for corn and soybeans signals the strong relationship that we have with Taiwan which is currently the 5th largest agricultural trading partner for Arkansas and the 8th largest agricultural trading partner for the United States. We are proud of the work by Governor Sanders and Secretary Rollins to continue to build mutually beneficial relationships with trading partners during a critical time for our row crop producers.”
Taiwan has consistently been a key destination for U.S. agricultural exports. In 2024 alone, the island nation imported nearly $3.7 billion in agricultural goods from the United States, securing its place as the eighth-largest U.S. agricultural market. Arkansas, in particular, exported around $63.2 million to Taiwan that year, making it the state’s fifth-largest export destination.
Building Global Partnerships Through Local Engagement
The strengthened trade ties are a result of active engagement between Arkansas and Taiwanese officials. Representatives from Taiwan recently toured agricultural operations across the state, including Bruce Oakley, Inc., a major commodity and transportation business based in North Little Rock, and Bearskin Farm in Lonoke County. During their visit, they also held discussions with Arkansas Department of Agriculture staff and met with agricultural experts from the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.
These LOIs also align with ongoing federal trade initiatives, such as the Taiwan-U.S. Economic Prosperity Partnership Dialogue, which promotes stronger bilateral cooperation and market access for agricultural products.
The agreements underscore Arkansas’s growing reputation as a reliable and vital player in global agricultural trade, while also promising real, tangible benefits for the state’s farmers as they navigate economic challenges.
