Little Rock, Arkansas – Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders has announced a landmark agreement that could reshape Arkansas agriculture for years to come. On Tuesday, Sanders confirmed the signing of two major Letters of Intent (LOIs) between Taiwan’s top agricultural associations and U.S. suppliers, committing billions of dollars to purchase corn, soybeans, and related products from Arkansas and across the country.
The combined value of the agreements is projected at more than $5.56 billion, covering purchases set to take place between 2026 and 2029. For a state where farming continues to serve as the backbone of the economy, the announcement was celebrated as both timely and transformative.
Under the terms of the LOIs, the Taiwan Feed Industry Association intends to secure 7.5 million metric tons of corn and another one million metric tons of corn products, estimated at roughly $2.12 billion. At the same time, the Taiwan Vegetable Oil Manufacturers Association has pledged to buy at least 6.5 million metric tons of soybeans, worth approximately $3.44 billion. While the commitments set the stage, final conditions and pricing will be determined later in direct negotiations between Taiwanese importers and American exporters.
Governor Sanders praised the partnership, framing it as a victory not only for Arkansas but for American agriculture as a whole. “Today’s announcement is great news for Arkansas and especially our row crop farmers, who need all the assistance they can get right now,” Sanders said. “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.”
For many farmers, the timing could not be better. Global supply chains have been unpredictable, market prices remain volatile, and producers in Arkansas are seeking stability. The new agreements, according to state leaders, not only offer financial opportunity but also reinforce a long-standing trade relationship between Arkansas and Taiwan.
Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture Wes Ward highlighted the significance of the deal, noting Taiwan’s position as a critical trading partner. “Today’s Letter of Intent signing for corn and soybeans signals the strong relationship that we have with Taiwan which is currently the 5th largest agricultural trading partner for Arkansas and the 8th largest agricultural trading partner for the United States,” Ward said. “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.”
Numbers from the U.S. Department of Agriculture back up Ward’s assessment. In 2024 alone, Taiwan imported nearly $3.7 billion worth of American agricultural goods. For Arkansas, Taiwan was its fifth-largest export destination that year, with $63.2 million in goods shipped overseas. The newly signed LOIs promise to deepen that already strong economic connection.
The agreements also fit within a larger context of ongoing cooperation between the U.S. and Taiwan. Initiatives like the Taiwan-U.S. Economic Prosperity Partnership Dialogue have been steadily building ties, aiming to expand market access and strengthen economic cooperation. These LOIs, state officials say, reflect a natural progression of that effort.
To mark the partnership, Taiwanese representatives recently visited Arkansas to see firsthand the operations and people behind the products they are committing to buy. Delegates toured Bruce Oakley, Inc., a North Little Rock-based company known for its wide-ranging role in commodity distribution and transportation. They also stopped at Bearskin Farm in Lonoke County, offering them a close look at Arkansas’s row crop production. Meetings at the Arkansas Department of Agriculture and discussions with experts from the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture rounded out the visit.
For many involved, the symbolism of those visits was just as important as the signatures on the agreements. They underscored the shared commitment to agriculture and the people who drive it.
Looking ahead, state officials believe the partnerships will provide lasting benefits. Farmers gain access to a secure market, Arkansas strengthens its reputation as a leading supplier, and Taiwan ensures a reliable stream of agricultural imports. For rural communities that depend heavily on farming, the promise of steady business brings hope during uncertain times.
As the ink dries on the agreements, Sanders and her administration are already looking to the future. By positioning Arkansas as a dependable trade partner, they hope to keep the state at the forefront of global agriculture while ensuring that family farms and large producers alike reap the rewards of international cooperation.
