This feature first ran in the July-August 2026 issue of Soybean Business. Click here to read the digital issue. 

Rampant negativity might generate news headlines, clicks and spark debate, but Jim Sutter, longtime CEO of the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC), prefers to channel his energy toward optimism. As a self-described global citizen, Sutter works both behind the scenes and out front to elevate the U.S. Soy brand around the world. He speaks with authority, conviction and – above all else – positivity when discussing the short and long-term outlooks for U.S. soybean exports.  

“In 2026, I think it’s a shame that there are so many people that are so pessimistic,” Sutter said. “As I look around the world – I have the opportunity to go to quite a few different places throughout the year – I don’t find anywhere where there isn’t demand growth, whether I am in Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Vietnam.”  

Sutter, who was raised on a Colorado crop and cattle farm, sees myriad opportunities for U.S. soy farmers wherever his travels take him. Egypt, Indonesia and Bangladesh are just a few of the global markets that bode well for U.S. soy exports.  

“Every one of those countries is talking about growth, growth, growth,” he said. “Buyers around the world appreciate the quality of U.S. Soy, so I think our farmers should be optimistic because they do a great job of producing a quality crop. We see it in a country like Egypt, where they really prefer U.S. Soy and put their money where their mouth is and buy U.S. Soy, even if other origins are cheaper.”   

USSEC celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2025 and continues to collaborate with the American Soybean Association, United Soybean Board and qualified state soybean boards, including the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council (MSR&PC), and over 100 members to establish, strengthen and sustain connection that link the U.S. Soy supply chain to global markets.  

USSEC has boots on the ground in four distinct regions across the globe, spanning the Americas and Europe; Sub-Saharan Africa; the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia; and East Asia.  

“Our three strategic goals are to make sure we have market access, attain market access, differentiate U.S. Soy, so people understand the difference and then to build a preference for U.S. Soy,” Sutter said. “Our team around the world does a pretty good job doing that, and I think that’s what farmers want us to be doing. And that adds value back to their farms, because if somehow we can figure out what makes a difference in those importing countries and then work with them on that and demonstrate to them that our great farmers here in the U.S. are producing the right quality or the right sustainability or whatever it is they want, then it adds value for our farmers.”  

Partners in promotion 

China’s imports of U.S. Soy have dropped about 50% in the current marketing year, from about 25 million metric tons (mmt) in 2024/2025 to 12 mmt so far in 2025/2026. While Sutter is encouraged by China’s pledge to resume purchasing 25 mmt in each of the next two years, he also understands that market diversification is critical to growing demand for U.S. Soy in the years ahead.  

“I’m glad that we’re getting back on track with China,” he said. “I want us to have some (market) share with China, because they’re the biggest market in the world, but not too much, because it is so subject to political issues. … We want our exports going to a whole bunch of destinations – beans and meal.”  

Minnesota soybean farmers rely on exports to drive profitability. Over 50% of the state’s soybean crop is sent to markets across the world, including neighbors in Canada and Mexico, all the way to the largest purchaser of Minnesota soybeans, China. Soybeans are Minnesota’s top agricultural export, accounting for over $2 billion in value each year. Sutter understands Minnesota’s contributions to global agriculture: Earlier in his career, he lived in Maple Grove and worked in Cargill’s grains and oilseeds division.  

“Minnesota Soy has always been a really big supporter of international markets, and I think they recognize that you need diversified markets,” Sutter said. “The farmers we work with are great and I have known (MSR&PC CEO) Tom (Slunecka) and (Minnesota Soybean Growers Association Executive Director) Joe Smentek for a long time and appreciate their partnership.”  

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture, which recently opened its first trade office in Taiwan, thanks to checkoff support from MSR&PC, is also a USSEC member. The Council also continues to invest checkoff resources in USSEC’s effort to promote U.S. soybeans across the world.  

“To me, that signifies how important the state of Minnesota views exports and wants to lend their support,” Sutter said.  

A friendly face 

Sutter sees firsthand how critical exports are to U.S. soybean farmers. He’s on the road for months out of the year; his travels include attending USSEC’s Soy Connext (Aug. 5-7 in Chicago), meeting with policy leaders in Washington, D.C., and leading international trade missions and conferences. His 2026 itinerary includes meetings in Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines, Egypt and China.  

“He practically lives out of a suitcase,” said Council Director Joel Schreurs, who represents Minnesota on USSEC. “Jim’s very respected around the world in the soybean industry.” 

He’s also a people person. Council Chair Gail Donkers met Sutter at an ag leadership event years ago and reconnected with him in 2025 during an event in Singapore with the Soy Excellence Center (SEC).  

“He remembered me, our conversation and my name,” said Donkers, who serves as vice chair of the SEC Global Advisory Panel. “Jim is so passionate about what he does. I appreciate that he doesn’t let any dust settle under his shoes and represents U.S. to the hilt.”  

And when the dust does settle, Sutter is confident U.S. soybeans will continue to stand alone as the world’s soy quality champions. Later this summer, USSEC plans to work with MSR&PC for annual trade team visits to Minnesota farms, giving customers an up-close look at how the highest quality beans in the world are produced.  

“Our buyers hold American farmers in high esteem,” he said. “The trade teams that we hope to bring to Minnesota are a great opportunity to help market U.S. Soy, but we couldn’t give them near the same experience if we didn’t have the help from the state groups like Minnesota Soybean and the farmers themselves.”