Latest Trade Picture Shows Small Ag Trade Surplus
Most of the surge in export value can be attributed to soybeans, fruits and nuts.
Compiled by staff
Published: Dec 22, 2005
U.S. agricultural exports rose by $1.6 billion from September to October while imports rose by only $200 million. Year-to-date exports, at $51.3 billion, are $1.5 billion higher than the same period in 2004. Imports are $4.3 billion higher at $48.7 billion, according to the latest trade report released by USDA's Economic Research Service.
While still maintaining a trade surplus, that surplus has shrunk from $5.4 billion for the first 10 months of calendar year 2004 to $2.6 billion for the same period in 2005.
Most of the surge in export value can be attributed to soybeans, fruits, and nuts. The volume of soybean exports was substantially higher in October than in September as U.S. soybeans replaced South American exports. China imported nearly 2 million metric tons of soybeans in October—nearly half of all U.S. soybean exports. On the import side, most of the increase can be attributed to vegetables, fruits, juices, nuts, and wine.
Sen. Chuck Grassley says a successful Doha Round could cut the U.S. trade deficit. "But even more important is that it would bring more market access for U.S. products around the world, and that translates into future economic growth for American farmers, manufacturers, and service providers," he says.
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Tagged: soybeans, soybean, usda
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