|
|
|
|
|
|
The International Y2K Situation and U.S. Agricultural Trade
December 1999
Overall, the Foreign Agricultural Service finds that international year 2000 (Y2K) technology problems will likely not have a significant impact on U.S. agricultural product exports and imports. Our major trading partners in North America, Asia, Western Europe, and, to a great extent, Latin America are in very good shape for the Millennium rollover, based on research and analysis by FAS overseas offices and other USG agencies. In addition, FAS and Agricultural Marketing Service research (http://www.fas.usda.gov/info/publications/y2k.pdf) into international agricultural transportation indicates a high level of readiness and contingency planning, in most cases. However, many developing and lower middle income countries in Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, and Latin America face a medium to high likelihood of moderate to severe disruptions of electrical utilities, telecommunications, the banking and financial sectors, and government services.
The effects of these disruptions on U.S. agricultural trade and on food security in these countries is mitigated by:
It should be recognized that, in most cases, foreign Y2K information is less available and reliable than similar U.S. data.
International trade transactions are often highly dependent on telecommunications and the transfer of electronic data to track the movement of cargo, handle customs clearances, and carry out international financial transactions. The Department of Commerce, International Trade Administration has put together an excellent site entitled "How will this affect my international business?"
The Department of Commerce site also contains limited country-specific Y2K information, especially concerning legal liability issues connected with Y2K in various countries. In addition, traders may wish to review the State Department's Consular Information Sheets which provide country-specific Y2K information of interest to U.S. travelers.
 |
Visit USDA's Y2K Site |
|
|