Montana Secures $1.3 Billion Wheat Deal with Taiwan Through 2029

HELENA — Montana has secured a $1.3 billion commitment from Taiwan to purchase the state’s wheat over the next four years, reinforcing one of the state’s most valuable agricultural partnerships.

The Taiwan Flour Millers Association pledged to purchase 3.6 million metric tons of Montana wheat between 2026 and 2029 through a memorandum of understanding signed Tuesday with Governor Greg Gianforte.

The deal represents a significant economic commitment for Montana’s top industry. Taiwan purchases wheat that accounts for 21.5 percent of Montana’s total annual wheat production, primarily Hard Red Winter and Hard Red Spring varieties valued for their quality.

“For over forty years, Montana and Taiwan have enjoyed a truly remarkable friendship and trade relationship, built on a shared commitment to quality and mutual respect,” Gianforte said during the signing ceremony. “We’re continuing to create an environment where our farmers and ranchers can thrive and signing this agreement underscores our commitment to our producers and ensures Montana’s world-class wheat continues to feed the world.”

Long-Standing Partnership

The agreement continues a trade relationship that began in 1978 with biannual goodwill missions from Taiwan to Montana. Taiwan ranks as one of the world’s major wheat buyers, annually purchasing 1.1 million metric tons of U.S. wheat.

For Montana, the relationship extends beyond wheat. Taiwan imports more than $100 million worth of Montana products annually, with agricultural goods—primarily wheat and beef—comprising roughly half of those imports.

“Montana has long been at the forefront of this partnership. Taiwan is one of the most important consumers of Montana’s products,” said May Lin, Director General of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Seattle.

The state has worked to deepen these trade ties in recent years. In 2022, Montana established a trade office in Taipei with legislative support. The following year, Gianforte led a trade mission to Taiwan with representatives from Montana’s agricultural, manufacturing, photonics, and bioscience industries.

Agricultural Impact

The four-year commitment provides stability for Montana wheat producers in an increasingly competitive global market. The guaranteed purchase volume offers producers predictability as they make planting and investment decisions.

Taiwan’s continued commitment to Montana wheat reflects the state’s reputation for producing high-quality grain varieties that meet international milling standards. The Hard Red Winter and Hard Red Spring wheat varieties favored by Taiwan millers are well-suited to Montana’s growing conditions and climate.

The deal underscores agriculture’s role as Montana’s economic foundation, generating billions in annual economic activity and supporting rural communities across the state.

“This agreement underscores our commitment to our producers and ensures Montana’s world-class wheat continues to feed the world,” Gianforte said.