As a result of the ag export ban in Russia and short grain supply in Ukraine, Israel has purchased 1.6 million bushels of U.S. sorghum with intentions to purchase 2.4 to 3.1 million bushels in the near future. The U.S. Grains Council was notified of the purchase last week and says it will increase the U.S. market share of sorghum in Israel to about 85%.

USGC Regional Director in the Middle East Joe O'Brien says the developments could help U.S. market share in other countries as well and help increase the exports of U.S. sorghum to the Middle East. The market share in Israel for corn is also supposed to increase to nearly 30%.

USGC consultant Alex Kholopov says this is because some of the top Russian corn consumers believe there won't be enough grain in Russia this year and are making plans to import corn from other countries like the United States.