Following news this morning that President-elect Donald Trump will name Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad the next U.S. Ambassador to China, American Soybean Association (ASA) President Richard Wilkins expressed the association's support for the pick, citing the governor's extensive experience working with China and the importance of the marketplace for U.S. soybean farmers:

"ASA enthusiastically supports Gov. Branstad as the next U.S. Ambassador to China. As we have said in the weeks that followed the presidential election, it is extremely important to have voices within the incoming administration that understand and value the huge impact that global trade has on U.S. agriculture and specifically American soybean producers. Nowhere is that relationship more significant than in China, a market that demands nearly 60 percent of our soy exports, and over 25 percent of our production overall.

"Governor Branstad has proven himself to be a valuable ally on this issue. He clearly understands the global nature of the agricultural economy, and knows what American farmers and Chinese buyers mean to one another. We look forward to working with him and his staff in the years to come. We also look forward to continuing our outreach to President-elect Trump to help underscore the priorities of American soybean farmers, including the importance of trade and exports to our industry and all of agriculture. "