At present, the poultry industry is the major demander of imports of non-wheat products and services, but other livestock industries may modernize in the near future. Additionally, U.S. processed foods appear to be competing effectively for customers. The U.S. exported 501,289 metric tons of wheat and 51,400 metric tons of wheat flour to Yemen in 1997. In the long run, however, the government's intention to eliminate the subsidies on wheat and wheat flour may decrease future consumption and cause substitution to other grains. Nevertheless, the Embassy believes that the U.S. will continue to be a major supplier of wheat to Yemen for the long term.
Corn is the main ingredient for animal feed in Yemen.
The largest use is in the poultry industry. Major local traders import feeds as cartels to resell to other poultry producers. Long term prospects for the poultry industry, and therefore corn exports, are positive. Strong price competition by other suppliers may, however, limit the growth of U.S. soybean sales. The urbanization of Yemen's growing population, now at about 17.5 million, is creating a larger demand for processed food products.