Interview/ Röportaj: Cemalettin Kanaş

USSEC CEO Jim Sutter shares his perspective on the evolving U.S.–China soybean trade, global market opportunities, and the growing role of sustainability in feed supply chains. His insights highlight both the optimism surrounding renewed Chinese purchases and the strategic advantages of U.S. Soy for importers worldwide.

Jim Sutter
U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC)
CEO

As one of the most influential organizations in global soy trade, the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) plays a central role in connecting U.S. soybean producers with feed, livestock, aquaculture, and food sectors around the world. Its work spans market development, sustainability verification, technical support, and long-term relationship building, functions that shape procurement strategies and feed formulations across dozens of countries. 

In this context, Feed Planet is pleased to present an exclusive interview with USSEC CEO Jim Sutter, whose perspectives arrive at a moment of renewed attention on U.S.–China agricultural relations. The recent meeting between former President Donald Trump and President Xi Jinping introduced signals of a possible easing in trade tensions, an important development for an industry that has experienced years of volatility since soybean trade became a focal point of the U.S.–China trade war. With China representing the world’s largest soybean import market, any shift in diplomatic tone carries meaningful implications for global feed and meal flows. 

Sutter’s responses reflect an outlook that is optimistic yet grounded, recognizing both the opportunities created by resumed Chinese purchases and the broader need for diversified global markets. He touches on logistics, nutrition, sustainability, and long-term demand fundamentals, offering a multidimensional view of the conditions that could influence U.S. soy’s position in the near and medium term.

His comments provide timely insight for Feed Planet’s readership, especially importers, feed manufacturers, nutritionists, and traders across Turkey, the Middle East, North Africa, and Europe, who continue to navigate evolving supply dynamics and geopolitical risks.

Following the recent meeting between President Trump and President Xi, agricultural dialogue has been described as moving toward a ‘truce.’ From USSEC’s perspective, could this translate into sustained Chinese purchases of U.S. soybeans rather than short-term tactical signals?

We have not yet seen the full details, but signals suggest a willingness on both sides to work towards the agreement, and we will be watching closely to see the outcome.

We have been encouraged to see China again purchasing U.S. soybeans – we believe their industry members have been wanting to do this for quality and other reasons and now are happy that the U.S. and China have converged so the roadblocks to this are being removed.

Steady dialogue is an important step toward restoring predictable, commercially driven soybean trade. We are optimistic and welcome a sustained return of U.S.-China soybean trade.

WE ARE SO PLEASED TO DO BUSINESS WITH TURKISH CUSTOMERS

Should such engagement continue, what implications might this have for U.S. soybean exporters and for global feed and meal markets in the near to medium term?

The U.S. is a reliable supplier of high-quality, sustainably produced soybeans, and we welcome opportunities to work with customers and the soy value chain in global markets all around the world.

With global protein demand rising, particularly for poultry and seafood, sustained trade flows support more stable global feed markets and offer buyers greater confidence in formulating with U.S. Soy.

One of USSEC’s roles is to ensure that U.S. exporters have the opportunity to sell into many, diversified markets all around the world.  We see re-starting business with China as an important part of this diversity – we value ALL customers of U.S. Soy.  We are so pleased to be doing business with the great customers of U.S. Soy in Turkey.

How should importers in regions such as Turkey, the Middle East, North Africa and Europe interpret this development in terms of procurement strategy and risk management?

The U.S. has available supply for all markets to diversify their supply portfolios.

Our supply chain remains open, reliable, and responsive. Maintaining a balanced procurement strategy that includes U.S. Soy can help buyers manage price volatility, freight dynamics, and geopolitical uncertainty.

All soy is not created equal and we are proud of the U.S. Soy Advantage – we believe that importers in the market region that you described understand that U.S. Soy is grown with a natural harvest process that ensures high quality factors that increase the value of U.S. Soy and the profits of those that use it. 

QUALITY, SUSTAINABILITY, AND GLOBAL MARKET OPPORTUNITIES FOR U.S. SOY

What structural factors such as logistics, crush margins, protein specifications or seasonal competitiveness will be decisive in turning diplomatic signals into actual market share for U.S. soy?

U.S. farmers grow soybeans in a climate that supports natural dry down, which results in minimal damage and is favorable for storage and handling.

The U.S. has a highly efficient logistics network, from interior river systems and railways to modern port infrastructure, which preserves quality through delivery.

On the nutrition side, U.S. soybeans and soybean meal provide a desirable amino-acid profile, high digestibility, and strong metabolizable energy, all of which improve feed efficiency. Consistent quality also reduces formulation variability and safety margins, helping customers lower costs and advance their sustainability objectives.

Beyond current market dynamics, which longer-term U.S. initiatives (sustainability, traceability, RVO policy, new-market development) should feed industry stakeholders be following closely?

Grown with precision and verified by the U.S. Soy Sustainability Assurance Protocol, U.S. Soy supports customers' environmental goals while delivering top-tier nutrition for poultry, aquaculture, and human diets.

U.S. farmers grow soybeans that have the lowest carbon footprint globally, and our U.S. Soy Sustainability Assurance Protocol (SSAP) provides a verified, globally recognized framework confirming that each shipment meets environmental and conservation standards.

The Sustainable U.S. Soy and Fed with Sustainable U.S. Soy labels help companies meet increasing consumer demand for verified sustainable products.  The label is featured on more than 1,125 products from 126 companies in 20 countries.  Many reputable surveys highlight the growing interest in sustainability and that especially Gen Z and Millennial consumers use this as a purchasing criteria – we encourage companies in this region to learn more about how U.S. Soy can position them as suppliers of sustainable products which will create a competitive advantage for their products vs those from other origins.

These efforts, combined with ongoing U.S. work in innovation and market development, position U.S. Soy as a strong partner for the future.