Pierre, South Dakota – The 2025 Republic of China (Taiwan) Agricultural Trade Goodwill Mission – Wheat Delegation held a Letter of Intent (LOI) signing ceremony and reception with the South Dakota state government on September 19. The event was witnessed by Director General Hong-Hui Huang of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in Denver and South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden.
At the ceremony, Mr. Wei-Chang Chang, General Manager of the Taiwan Flour Millers Association, and Mr. Bryan Jorgensen, Chairman of the South Dakota Wheat Commission, signed a Letter of Intent for future agricultural purchases.
Strengthening Bilateral Agricultural Ties
Governor Rhoden and attending officials expressed excitement upon learning that Taiwan’s Agricultural Goodwill Mission plans to purchase over US$10 billion worth of American soybeans, corn, wheat, and beef from 2026 to 2029. They highlighted Taiwan as one of the United States’ best economic and trade partners.
Taiwan has been actively promoting mutually beneficial economic and trade relations with the United States, especially in agricultural imports. Since 1998, Taiwan has organized 15 agricultural goodwill missions to the U.S. This year’s Wheat Delegation includes eight members, with senior representatives from U.S. Wheat Associates among them.
Earlier on the same day, Director General Huang accompanied the delegation in a courtesy call on Governor Rhoden, where they exchanged views on agricultural trade and food security supply chains. The delegation then proceeded to the signing ceremony and reception, joined by state legislators, Secretary of Agriculture Robert Hunters, South Dakota Trade President & CEO Jesse Fonkert, Wheat Commission representatives, and local media.
Remarks from Taiwan
In her remarks, Director General Huang emphasized the mutually beneficial nature of Taiwan-U.S. trade relations:
– Taiwan imports American agricultural products and energy resources.
– The United States imports advanced technology products such as semiconductors from Taiwan.
She further highlighted that the United States is Taiwan’s largest source of agricultural imports, while Taiwan is America’s 7th-largest trading partner.
Director General Huang expressed gratitude to Governor Rhoden and the South Dakota Legislature for their strong and consistent support of Taiwan, noting that for 40 years of Sister States, the Legislature has passed resolutions in support of Taiwan. She stressed that U.S. agricultural products play an important role in enhancing Taiwan’s food security. With joint efforts from both governments and the private sector, she expressed confidence that Taiwan-U.S. friendship will continue to deepen.
Industry Visits and Partnerships
In addition to the signing ceremony, the delegation visited major U.S. agricultural enterprises, including CHS (a leading farmer-owned cooperative) and high-quality seed companies, to learn about the development and latest trends of the U.S. wheat industry. They also conducted farm visits and direct exchanges with local farmers, further strengthening bilateral cooperation.
