Idaho and Taiwan signed a $1.2 billion, four-year letter of intent for U.S. wheat exports this week. Lt. Governor Scott Bedke, Commissioners and staff from the Idaho Wheat Commission, and representatives of Taiwan Flour Mills Association (TFMA) and Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) attended the signing ceremony. Backed by wheat grower assessment dollars that support market development, this agreement builds on more than 60 years of strong partnership between the U.S. wheat industry and Taiwan. TFMA imports wheat on behalf of all 20 Taiwanese flour mills. Taiwan imports soft white, hard red spring, and hard red winter wheat, with Idaho supplying roughly 10% of the U.S. wheat exported each year.

A federal appeals court recently struck down the current administration’s use of “reciprocal tariffs” under an economic emergency declaration, but the ruling was paused pending Supreme Court review. The Court is moving quickly, with briefs beginning this week and oral arguments in November. For U.S. wheat, the case is unlikely to significantly affect exports or customer relationships. Reciprocal tariffs have had little direct impact on wheat, with China being the only importer to impose retaliatory tariffs — and its wheat trade with the U.S. ended before those tariffs were enacted. If reciprocal tariffs are repealed, benefits gained in markets like Vietnam, Indonesia, and Bangladesh are expected to remain, as these countries continue seeking ways to reduce trade deficits with the U.S.

Asian flour millers are stepping up purchases of U.S. wheat as competitive prices and shipping delays from the Black Sea shift demand toward American suppliers. Recent deals include about 500,000 tons to Indonesia, 250,000 tons to Bangladesh, and 100,000 tons to Sri Lanka, with buyers taking both soft white and hard red winter wheat. U.S. wheat is being sold at around $270–$275 per metric ton, making it attractive compared to alternatives. Millers in Vietnam are now considering U.S. wheat, and longer-term commitments are also growing: Indonesia has agreed to import at least 1 million tons annually from 2026–2030, while Bangladesh committed to 700,000 tons a year starting in July.

U.S. Wheat Associates (USW) leaders recently visited Mexico to highlight the strong partnership between U.S. wheat farmers and Mexican millers and bakers, reaffirming Mexico’s role as the top U.S. wheat market. USW stressed that wheat quality remains essential, as Mexican millers consistently emphasized their reliance on high-quality U.S. wheat to meet customer needs. Mexico imports an average of 3.56 million metric tons of U.S. wheat annually, with current sales up 24% from last year. The mission underscored that Mexico’s trust in U.S. wheat is rooted not only in consistent quality and logistics but also in long-standing personal relationships and transparent collaboration.

The National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) responded to the Make Our Children Healthy Again (MAHA) Commission report by stressing the importance of crop protection tools in maintaining sustainable wheat production and food security. Without these tools, farmers would struggle to manage pests, diseases, and weeds, leading to reduced yields, higher prices, and limited availability for consumers. NAWG also pushed back on the report’s characterization of enriched and refined grains as “ultra-processed,” emphasizing their role in providing essential nutrients like fiber, iron, and folic acid. These foods are fortified to address nutrient gaps, particularly in underserved communities, and are not harmful when included in a balanced diet.

The Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Commission unveiled a strategy with more than 120 initiatives to tackle the childhood chronic disease crisis. Supported by the current Administration, the plan includes major reforms to food and health systems, new research investments, stricter food safety and labeling standards, improvements to Medicaid and school meals, and streamlined regulations to boost healthier food access. It also promotes partnerships with farmers, industry, and communities to advance regenerative farming and better consumer choices. Federal health leaders called it the most ambitious national effort yet to confront chronic disease and protect the long-term health of America’s children.

Southeast Asian trade deals are set to boost U.S. grain and oilseed exports, displacing supplies from Australia, Canada, Russia, and South America. Driven by lower U.S. prices and tariff reductions, nations like Indonesia, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Thailand, and the Philippines are increasing purchases of U.S. wheat, corn, soybeans, and soymeal. The U.S. has regained competitiveness, with wheat, corn, and soymeal priced at or below rival exporters. Analysts say this shift could reshape global trade flows, pressuring suppliers from the Black Sea and South America while securing a stronger U.S. foothold in Asia, which accounts for 30% of global wheat, corn, and soymeal imports.