Sanders Announces Multi-Billion-Dollar Taiwanese Investment in Arkansas Agricultural Products

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders today announced the signing of two Letters of Intent (LOIs) with Taiwan's leading agricultural associations, signaling a combined commitment of at least $5.56 billion in purchases of Arkansas and U.S. agricultural products between 2026 and 2029.

The Taiwan Feed Industry Association intends to purchase 7.5 million metric tons of corn and 1 million metric tons of corn products, valued at approximately $2.12 billion. Additionally, the Taiwan Vegetable Oil Manufacturers Association has committed to purchasing at least 6.5 metric tons of soybeans, with an estimated value of at least $3.44 billion. Final terms, prices, and conditions will be negotiated directly between the individual importers and U.S. 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."

"Today's Letter of Intent signing for corn and soybeans signals the strong relationship that we have with Taiwan which is currently the 5^th largest agricultural trading partner for Arkansas and the 8^th largest agricultural trading partner for the United States," said Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture Wes Ward. "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."

In 2024, Taiwan imported nearly $3.7 billion in U.S. agricultural products, making it the eighth-largest U.S. market. Arkansas exported approximately $63.2 million to Taiwan that year, its fifth-largest export market.

The LOIs also align with ongoing U.S.-Taiwan trade initiatives, including the Taiwan-U.S. Economic Prosperity Partnership Dialogue and other bilateral mechanisms aimed at strengthening economic cooperation and market access for agricultural products.

During a recent visit to Arkansas, representatives from Taiwan attended tours of Bruce Oakley, Inc, a diverse commodity, distribution, and transportation company based in North Little Rock, and Bearskin Farm in Lonoke County. They also participated in discussions with stakeholders at the Arkansas Department of Agriculture and met with representatives from the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.