Press Releases

WASHINGTON— Congressman Ron Estes (R-Kansas) participated in a signing ceremony today at the 2019 Taiwan Agricultural Trade Goodwill Mission where a delegation from Taiwan signed three letters of intent to purchase more than $3.6 billion worth of American soybean, wheat, corn and beef. Rep. Estes addressed the delegation and thanked them on behalf of Kansas farmers and ranchers. 

"As Kansas is one of the largest producers in America of grains, corn and beef, today's announcement is great news for our state and country," said Rep. Estes. "I want to thank Taiwan for maintaining this important partnership and a great commitment to American agriculture."

Today's letters of intent state Taiwan plans to purchase $1.1 billion worth of U.S. corn, $1 billion worth of U.S. soybean, $600 million worth of U.S. wheat and $960 million worth of U.S. beef over the next two years. Following today's signing ceremony at the U.S. Capitol, Taiwan's agricultural delegation will travel to eleven states, including Kansas on Sept. 19.

Members of Congress and Taiwan's delegation watch while one of the letters of intent is signed.  

As a Member of the House Ways and Means Committee and USMCA Whip Team, Rep. Estes discussed the importance of free and fair trade with partners like Taiwan at today's ceremony.

According to the Goodwill Mission, in 2018, Taiwan ranked as the 5th largest market for U.S. corn and wheat, the 6th largest market for U.S. beef and the 7th largest market for U.S. soybeans. Overall, Taiwan imported U.S. farm products worth nearly $4.3 billion, making it the 8th largest overseas market for U.S. agriculture exports.

Ron Estes is a 5th generation Kansan and represents Kansas’ 4th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. He serves on the House Committee on Ways and Means.