North Dakota Soybean Leaders Expand Markets Beyond China

Delegation travels to Southeast Asia to build demand and diversify export opportunities.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 5:27pm

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North Dakota soybean farmer-leaders traveled to Thailand and Vietnam to meet with buyers, processors, and industry representatives, focusing on expanding market opportunities beyond China and strengthening relationships across Southeast Asia. The goal is to build demand, diversify export markets, and protect the long-term profitability of North Dakota's soybean farmers.

Why it matters

For decades, China has been the dominant destination for U.S. soybeans, but shifts in trade dynamics have underscored the need to reduce reliance on a single market. Diversifying export markets in fast-growing regions like Southeast Asia is essential to the long-term success of North Dakota's soybean industry.

The details

The delegation toured facilities, visited feed mills, and met with crushers and industry representatives in Thailand and Vietnam. They saw firsthand how U.S. soybean meal is being used in aquaculture, poultry, and livestock production, as well as in soy-based foods. Buyers emphasized the importance of consistent quality, sustainability, and personal relationships in purchasing decisions.

  • The trade mission took place in January 2026.
  • North Dakota soybean farmers have been active in Southeast Asia since 1981.

The players

Evan Montgomery

Vice chairman of the North Dakota Soybean Council (NDSC).

Stephanie Cook

Treasurer of the North Dakota Soybean Growers Association (NDSGA) and a farmer from Davenport.

Jim Thompson

Chairman of the NDSC and a farmer from Page.

Avery Hansen

International market development specialist for the NDSC.

Ted Brandt

An Enderlin farmer and NDSC director.

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What they’re saying

“To literally see our soybean meal being fed to his crop of fish, that's when it really comes full circle. You realize the beans we grow at home are part of something much bigger.”

— Evan Montgomery, Vice chairman, North Dakota Soybean Council

“When customers can ask questions directly and hear answers from the people who grow the crop, it builds confidence.”

— Avery Hansen, International market development specialist, North Dakota Soybean Council

What’s next

The North Dakota Soybean Council and North Dakota Soybean Growers Association plan to continue their engagement in Southeast Asia, building on the relationships and insights gained during the trade mission.

The takeaway

Diversifying export markets in fast-growing regions like Southeast Asia is essential for the long-term resilience and profitability of North Dakota's soybean industry, reducing reliance on a single dominant market.