Gov. Gianforte Strengthens Montana – Taiwan Trade Partnership
CONTACT:
Sean Southard, Office of the Governor
Logan Kruse, Montana Department of Agriculture, (406) 444-3684
Gov. Gianforte Strengthens Montana – Taiwan Trade Partnership
Signs MOU with Taiwan Flour Millers Association
HELENA, Mont. – Continuing his work to bolster Montana’s economy and expand opportunities for its number one industry, Governor Greg Gianforte and Director Streit welcomed a delegation from the Taiwan Flour Millers Association (TFMA) to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) reinforcing the state’s trade partnership with Taiwan.
“For over forty years, Montana and Taiwan have enjoyed a truly remarkable friendship and trade relationship, built on a shared commitment to quality and mutual respect,” Gov. Gianforte said. “We’re continuing to create an environment where our farmers and ranchers can thrive and signing this agreement underscores our commitment to our producers and ensures Montana’s world-class wheat continues to feed the world.”
Gov. Gianforte and Director Streit signing an MOU with delegates from the Taiwan Flour Millers Association in Helena
This goodwill mission from Taiwan has taken place biannually since 1978 and is critical to Montana’s agricultural sector. Taiwan is a major buyer of U.S. wheat, annually purchasing 1.1 million metric tons. Ten-year estimates show that wheat shipments to Taiwan, primarily Hard Red Winter and Hard Red Spring varieties, account for 21.5 percent of Montana’s total annual wheat production.
The MOU signed yesterday is a pledge from the Taiwan Wheat Delegation to purchase 3.6 million metric tons of Montana wheat, valued at $1.3 billion, between 2026 and 2029.
“Montana has long been at the forefront of this partnership. Taiwan is one of the most important consumers of Montana’s products, importing over 100 million USD worth of products annually—about half of which comes from agricultural goods, primarily wheat and beef,” said May Lin, Director General of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Seattle.
To continue building connections between Montana and Taiwan, the governor in 2022 worked with the legislature to establish a trade office in Taipei. This office is actively supporting Montana businesses. In October 2023, Gov. Gianforte led a trade mission to Taipei with representatives from Montana’s agricultural, manufacturing, photonics, and bioscience industries.
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Office of the Governor
Tags: International Trade, Governor Greg Gianforte and Director Jillien Streit
