On Thursday November 10, 2016, NAEGA, along with industry stakeholders and corporate representatives, met with the U.S. Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service to discuss the pending deadlines on U.S. origin shipments of corn, wheat and DDGS to Vietnam. Vietnamese PPD authorities have imposed a methyl bromide fumigation requirement for all U.S. origin shipments of wheat and corn to Vietnam after the bill of lading date of  December 1, 2016. In addition, due to increased incidence of pest detections in shipments of DDGS, Vietnam PPD is also proceeding with a December 17 suspension of all U.S. origin DDGS imports.

On a November 10, 2016 dated letter, Vietnam PPD reiterated to APHIS these positions and stipulated that their main concern is phosphine resistance. As a result, for corn and wheat, and despite discussions with APHIS and FAS, Vietnam PPD has reinforced its desire to require methyl bromide fumigation on all shipments after December 1. For DDGS, Vietnam has indicated that it is willing to work with APHIS on alternative measures, including conclusion of an APHIS field investigation and potential verification by Vietnam PPD authorities. A copy of the letter can be found here: November 10, 2016 Letter to APHIS from Vietnam PPD.

Moving forward, APHIS is continuing pursue alternative scenarios for compliance for DDGS, as laid out in its proposal to Vietnam in October, which can be found here. APHIS is still considering next steps for corn and wheat, including measures to confirm Vietnam’s claim of phosphine resistance. More information will be available in the coming days. NAEGA will inform members as soon as it has more information.