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Agricultural trade throughout the world is changing. Keeping up with fluctuations in markets, new and amended regulations, and issues that affect trade is challenging. Technology and fewer trade restrictions have opened international markets for both buyers and sellers.

U.S. agricultural trade programs are designed to develop and expand commercial outlets for U.S. commodities and to provide international food assistance. Farmers in the United States produce more with the same or even fewer resources than 50 years ago. American farmers must look to foreign markets because production and production capacity is increasing faster than domestic demand.

Trade provides U.S. consumers with access to a wider variety of foods at reasonable prices, including those not produced domestically. Trade brings tropical fruits, coffee, and exotic cheeses to American consumers. Imports make fresh fruits and vegetables, such as asparagus and grapes, available at affordable prices during winter months. U.S. food processors rely on global markets for many food ingredients, such as cocoa (combined with domestic sugar and dairy products) for chocolate.

Why Agricultural Trade Is Important    Trade Glossary, Chronology, and Acronyms      (from The Language of Trade, U.S. Department of State)    Frequently Asked Questions About       U.S. Agricultural Trade	WTO     Biotechnology and U.S. Agricultural Trade      Agricultural Science and Technology Ministerial     Trade Adjustment Assistance for Farmers     Seizing the Opportunities from Trade
Regional Agreements       Free Trade Agreement of the Americas (FTAA)       North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA)       Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA)    Free Trade Agreements    Country Agreements       U.S.-Chile       U.S.-Morocco       U.S.-Canada       U.S.-Australia       U.S.-European Union       U.S.-South African Customs Union (SACU) Trade       Trade With Cuba	Trade Data    Recent Headlines (Archives 2000-2003)        United States and Bahrain Sign Free Trade Agreement (09/14/04)        President Bush Signs The U.S.-Morocco Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act (08/17/04)       President Lifts U.S. Sanctions Against Libya -- More information from USDA -- Message to the Congress of the United States -- Memorandum for the Secretary of the Treasury -- Memorandum for the Secretary of the State, the Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of Commerce -- Statement by the White House Press Secretary                 More Trade News ...   Exporting--Getting Started   Links for Exporters   Export.gov
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Last modified: Wednesday, September 22, 2004