U.S. Ag Exports Thrive
New record set for export sales in 2010.
Compiled by staff
Published: Feb 14, 2011
The Global Agricultural Trade System reports that U.S. farm exports reached an all-time high of $115.8 billion in calendar year 2010. For the first time, China emerged as the top market for U.S. agricultural exports, with $17.5 billion in sales. Canada was second with $16.9 billion.
In reaction, Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack says the numbers indicate that the demand for U.S. food and agricultural products is soaring worldwide. This is good news for all Americans in these trying economic times. Every $1 billion in agricultural exports supports 8,000 American jobs, which means agricultural exports supported nearly one million jobs in 2010.
Export sales surged in bulk commodities, which increased 19% to $47.2 billion, and consumer-oriented agricultural products, which increased 15% to $45.4 billion. U.S. soybeans were the largest agricultural export product, reaching a record $18.6 billion in sales. China purchased 58% of U.S. soybean exports last year. In 2000, China purchased 19% of the total U.S. soybean exports.
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Tagged: soybean, farm, soybeans, agricultural trade
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