The U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) said the European Union and Middle East/North Africa (MENA) market has been a bright spot for U.S. soy exports this marketing year, as soy exports to the region are up 140 million bu. over the same period last year. According to Brent Babb, USSEC regional director–EU/MENA, this represents a 210% increase in whole soybeans and a 17% increase in soybean meal exports for the U.S. soy industry.

Countries with largest volume increases this marketing year include Egypt (30 million bu.), Spain (23 million bu.), the Netherlands (15 million bu.), Italy (12 million bu.) and Portugal (10 million bu.), USSEC noted.

USSEC recently held the sixth U.S. Soy Regional Trade Exchange for EU/MENA in Barcelona, Spain, attracting almost 300 participants from roughly 40 countries. The conference brought together many industry representatives to provide an international forum to help buyers and sellers have a better network.

The conference covered a number of topics that highlighted the developments and challenges central to international and local soybean markets and the agricultural landscape. USSEC said participants showed a real interest in learning about the latest developments in the soy markets and market trends, the trade situation between the U.S. and China, the latest figures on exports and destinations, the quality of U.S. soybeans and U.S. soy sustainability.

USSEC customers from throughout the region also had the opportunity to meet other professional buyers, traders and U.S. suppliers.