OUTLOOK FOR U.S. AGRICULTURAL EXPORTS                          March 12, 1997
             Approved by the World Agricultural Outlook Board
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OUTLOOK FOR U.S. AGRICULTURAL EXPORTS is published four times a year by the
Economic Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC
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EXPORTS.

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FISCAL 1997 AGRICULTURAL EXPORT FORECAST RAISED $1 BILLION TO $56.5 BILLION

The fiscal 1997 forecast for U.S. agricultural exports is raised $1 billion to
$56.5 billion, reflecting actual shipments to date and changed prospects since
December. Stronger than expected export volume and prices of soybeans and
cotton will more than offset reduced prospects of wheat and livestock exports.
Forecast exports for soybeans and products and cotton are raised $800 million
and $500 million, respectively, largely reflecting heavy shipments to China,
the European Union, and Mexico. Forecast total export volume is reduced
slightly to 145.4 million tons.

U.S. agricultural imports in fiscal 1997 are expected at $34 billion, unchanged
from the previous forecast. The coffee import value is higher than previously
indicated, largely because of rising prices due to low stocks in consuming
countries and uncertain South American supplies. Higher beef imports
are offset by lower expected live animal imports.

The fiscal 1997 agricultural trade surplus forecast is raised $1 billion to
$22.5 billion.


This outlook reflects commodity forecasts in the February 12, 1997, World
Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates. Approved by the World Agricultural
Outlook Board and released February 24, 1997.

Contents

Fiscal 1997 Agricultural Export Forecast Raised $1 Billion to $56.5 Billion  
Commodity Highlights
Economic Outlook 
Regional Highlights
U.S. Agricultural Export Programs
Import Highlights
Tables

  Table 1--U.S. agricultural trade, fiscal years 1992-97
  Table 2--U.S. agricultural exports:  Value by commodity, 1995-97
  Table 3--U.S. agricultural exports:  Volume by commodity, 1995-97
  Table 4--U.S. agricultural exports:  Value by region, 1995-97
  Table 5--U.S. agricultural imports:  Value by commodity, 1995-97
  Table 6--U.S. agricultural imports:  Volume by commodity, 1995-97
  Table 7--U.S. agricultural imports:  Value by region, 1995-97

Coordinator (ERS):

Joel Greene (202) 219-0816; Commercial Agriculture Division; Economic Research
Service (ERS)

Coordinators (FAS):

Michael Dwyer (202) 720-3124; Ernest Carter (202) 720-2922; Office of Deputy
Administrator Commodity and Marketing Programs; Foreign Agricultural Service
(FAS) U.S. Department of Agriculture; Washington, D.C. 20250.

The forecasts in the Outlook for U.S. Agricultural Exports are based on
information provided by the following analysts in the Commercial Agriculture
division of the Economic Research Service and in the Commodity Divisions of the
Foreign Agricultural Service. Editorial support is furnished by Martha R.
Evans, Information Services Division, ERS.  All telephone numbers are area code
202.

ERS:  Karen Ackerman (Export Programs, 501-8511); Ed Allen (Wheat and Coarse
Grains, 219-0831); Mark Ash (Oilseeds, 219-0712); Nathan Childs (Rice,
501-8513); Mark Gehlhar (Imports, 501-8525); Ronald Gustafson (Beef, 219-0848);
Mildred Haley (Pork, 219-0833); David Harvey (Poultry, 219-0839); John Love
(Horticultural Products, 219-1268); Stephen MacDonald (Cotton, 219-1179);
Stacey Rosen (Food Aid, 501-8445).

FAS:  Peter Burr (Tobacco and Seeds, 720-9497); Alan Holz (Oilseeds, 720-0143);
Linda Kotschwar (Grains and Feeds, 690-4134); Dee Linse (Export Programs,
720-9847); Nancy Morrison (Dairy, Livestock, and Poultry, 720-8252); Debra
Pumphrey (Horticultural and Tropical Products, 720-8899); Anita Regmi (Cotton,
720-9510).

Regional information can be provided by the following analysts in the
Commercial Agriculture Division, ERS:  Chris Bolling (Brazil, 219-0668); Nancy
Cochrane (Central and Eastern Europe, 219-0650); Hunter Colby (China,
219-0669); Frederick Crook (Hong Kong, 219-0002); John Dyck (Japan and South
Korea, 219-0698); Anwarul Hoque (South Asia, 219-0665); Sophia Wu Huang
(Taiwan, 219-0679); Elizabeth Jones (European Union, 219-0619); Michael Kurtzig
(North Africa and the Middle East, 219-0636); Daniel Plunkett (Mexico,
219-0670); Sharon Sheffield (Newly Independent States, 219-0019); Jim Stout
(Canada, 219-0678); Gary Vocke (Southeast Asia, 501-5575).

The Outlook for U.S. Agricultural Exports is published in February, May,
August, and November/December.  The next quarterly summary is scheduled for
release on May 29, 1997. 


Commodity Highlights

The fiscal 1997 volume forecast for U.S. wheat and flour exports is lowered
from USDA's December estimate of 22 million tons to 21.1 million tons, and
export value is reduced $300 million to $3.6 billion.  Upward revisions in
wheat production and export estimates for Argentina, Australia, and the
European Union (EU-15), along with reduced import needs by China, translate
into larger global supplies and a downward revision in world prices.  Argentina
and Australia have harvested what is expected to be their largest wheat crops
on record.  The EU-15 continues to use export subsidies to move some of its
record 1996 wheat crop into foreign markets.

The fiscal 1997 forecast for U.S. coarse grain shipments is lowered 1 million
tons from December's forecast to 55 million tons, but value is unchanged at
$7.3 billion.  The corn export forecast is reduced $100 million to $6.4
billion, due to a 1-million-ton reduction in export volume to 48.5 million
tons.  The downward revision in U.S. corn shipments is due to greater than
previously expected production and export competition from Argentina and China.
The availability of foreign feed-quality wheat also continues to constrain U.S.
export prospects.

The fiscal 1997 forecast for U.S. rice exports is raised 100,000 tons and $100
million from the December forecast to 2.4 million tons valued at $1 billion.
Export prices are revised upward due to very tight supplies of U.S. long grain
rice, as well as the limited availability of high-quality international
supplies.  U.S. export volume is revised upward, largely due to an upward
revision in Latin American and EU-15 import demand for long grain rice.

The forecast for fiscal 1997 exports of U.S. oilseeds and products is raised
900,000 tons and $900 million from the December estimate to 33.6 million tons
valued at $10.7 billion.  This improved outlook is based on an upward revision
in soybeans and soybean meal export volumes and prices.  The forecast for
soybean exports is raised 700,000 tons and $700 million to 24.4 million tons
valued at $7.1 billion.  The soybean meal forecast is raised 300,000 tons and
$200 million to 6 million tons valued at $1.5 billion.  Soybean and product
prices are higher due to a downward revision in the U.S. soybean crop since
December and an upward revision in foreign demand.  Foreign demand for soybeans
and products is raised due to an increased EU-15 soybean import forecast and a
stronger than anticipated demand for soybeans and meal among Asian Pacific Rim
countries.  A substantial rise in China's imports of oilseeds and products is
expected given its 1996 oilseed harvest is significantly below the previous
year's record.

The fiscal 1997 forecast for U.S. cotton exports is raised 100,000 tons and
$500 million from the December forecast to 1.5 million tons valued at $2.6
billion. The improved outlook is mainly due to reduced competition from major
foreign suppliers, and increased imports by Brazil and China.  Production and
export estimates for Central Asian suppliers and Pakistan were revised
downward, and much of their available higher quality cotton has already been
shipped. Argentina's production and exports were also reduced.  World prices
have risen since December, making U.S. cotton more competitive in the export
market.

The forecast for fiscal 1997 exports of U.S. livestock, dairy, and poultry
products is reduced $200 million from the December forecast but remains a
record $12.2 billion.  The U.S. beef and pork export forecast remains unchanged
at a record 1.5 million tons, but export value is lowered $200 million from the
December estimate to $4.7 billion.  If the slowdown in beef sales to Japan
continues, the annual increase in U.S. red meat sales to Japan in recent years 

cannot be sustained in 1997.  The pace of Japan's beef imports from all
countries has slowed as a result of consumer concern over food safety issues;
in particular, the BSE scare in the United Kingdom and Japan's outbreak of E.
coli.  Additionally, the dampening impact of Japan's import safeguard measures
on pork shipments are expected to continue until the measures are lifted on
July 1.  The export forecast for poultry and products remains unchanged at a
record $3 billion despite a slight upward revision in poultry meat export
volume to 2.7 million tons.  Somewhat lower prices for leg quarters are now
expected.  Russia, China, and Hong Kong underpin foreign demand for U.S.
broiler parts.

The forecast for fiscal 1997 exports of U.S. horticultural products remains
unchanged at a record $10.5 billion.  The outlook for fresh and processed
fruit, vegetables, and tree nuts remains unchanged from the December forecast. 
Events to watch for in coming months include lower almond prices resulting from
a larger domestic crop, and rising grapefruit shipments resulting from a large
Florida citrus crop.  The fiscal 1997 forecast for horticultural products, up 5
percent from 1996, is based on steady growth to key Asian Pacific Rim countries
and Canada, and the expectation of continued sales recovery to Mexico. Export
growth to Japan, the third largest horticultural export market after Canada and
the EU-15, is expected to remain slow due to the relative strength of the
dollar.

Economic Outlook

At a projected 2.7-percent growth rate, the outlook for 1997 world real gross
domestic product (GDP) growth is slightly lower than previously expected in
December.  Much of the reduction is attributed to reduced expectations in Japan
and the EU-15.  Japan's economy is now expected to grow only 1.6 percent in
1997, compared with the estimate of 2.2 percent last quarter, as weak domestic
demand slowed Japan's economy at the end of 1996, and tight fiscal policy is
expected to further curb growth in 1997.  Growth expectations for the EU-15 in
1997 have been lowered from 2.6 percent to 2.1 percent. Growth projections in
Canada and Mexico are unchanged at 2.8 percent and 4.1 percent, respectively. 
East and Southeast Asia are expected to grow at 7.1 percent, slightly less than
before, but China is expected to grow 9.4 percent, slightly higher than
previously expected.

Since the December forecast, the dollar has appreciated vis-a-vis the Japanese
yen and the German mark, effectively raising the price of U.S.exports. 
However, lower commodity prices in 1997, especially for grains, should moderate
some of the effects of the appreciating dollar. The dollar averaged 109 yen in
1996, 118 in January 1997, and has traded in the low 120's so far in February
1997.  The dollar also appreciated about 5 percent against the German mark in
1996, averaging 1.5 marks per dollar.  The January average was 1.6 marks per
dollar, and has also traded higher in February.

Regional Highlights

The most significant export revisions for U.S. agricultural exports were to
China, Mexico, and the EU-15, because of changes in the commodity outlook,
particularly for soybeans and cotton.  Exports to Canada and South Korea are
raised $100 million each to $6.2 billion and $3.3 billion, respectively, to
reflect the pace of U.S. exports so far in 1997.  Exports to Japan are reduced
$100 million to $11.4 billion because of low exports of consumer food items,
especially red meats. Export forecasts to Africa and Southeast Asia are also
reduced to $2.1 billion and $3 billion, respectively.



Forecast exports to China are raised $600 million to $2 billion.  Compared with
a year ago, first-quarter exports rose 50 percent to $777 million.  Increased
demand for soybeans and products and improved prospects for cotton exports
account for much of the expected gain.  Cotton export forecasts were revised
upward as expected import taxes and prohibitions developed into strong import
purchases by joint-venture mills.  Increased shipments of both red and poultry
meats and horticultural products also raise expected exports to China.

U.S. exports to Mexico are raised $400 million to $5.5 billion in 1997 as
exports continue to expand in 1997.  U.S. exports during October-December 1996
reached $1.4 billion, 42 percent more than a year earlier.  Mexico is expected
to import more soybeans and products and cotton, but much of the gain is
expected to be in high-value products.  The United States is likely to ship
more meat and horticultural products to Mexico, as export growth continues to
surge ahead since mid-1996.  

Exports to the EU-15 are revised upward $200 million to $9 billion largely
because of increased demand for soybeans and soybean products.  U.S.
agricultural exports through December were $2.9 billion, 5 percent higher than
a year earlier.  Shipments of poultry meat, fruit juice, pet food, and planting
seeds have been strong during the first quarter of fiscal 1997, and higher
valued almonds have boosted tree nut exports.

U.S. Agricultural Export Programs

Export Subsidy Programs

Dairy Export Incentive Program (DEIP) sales picked up in late 1996 and early
1997.  In fiscal 1997, as of February 19, 1997, 809 tons of butterfat, 951 tons
of cheese, 996 tons of whole milk, and 18,968 tons of nonfat dry milk were sold
to countries in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Central and South America, the
Newly Independent States, and the Middle East.  DEIP bonuses totaled $16.5
million for the same period.  There continues to be no sales under the Export
Enhancement Program in fiscal 1997.

CCC Export Credit Guarantee Programs

The value of country allocations under the fiscal 1997 Export Credit Guarantee
Program (GSM-102) increased by $426 million from November 1996 through January
31, 1997.  In addition, the GSM-102 allocation of $500 million for Mexico was
increased by $300 million as the value of applications received rose to $480.4
million.  Pakistan's GSM-102 allocation was increased by $100 million to $174
million.  The value of GSM-102 guarantee applications received for Pakistan
totaled $121.6 million as of January 31, 1997.  Lastly, the original GSM-102
allocation to the Russian Federation of $30 million was increased by $20
million as Russian importers of chilled meat, processed meat products, and
wheat and wheat flour boosted the value of applications received to $26.5
million.

U.S. Food Aid Programs

The U.S. Food for Peace program, or Public Law 480 (P.L. 480), uses
appropriated funds to provide U.S. agricultural assistance to countries at
different levels of economic development.  The P.L. 480 program is comprised of
three titles.  Title I is administered by USDA, while Titles II and III are
administered by the U.S. Agency for International Development (AID).

The 1997 appropriation for Title I and Food for Progress programs funded with
Title I funds totaled $240.8 million, marking a 24-percent cut from 1996. 
Appropriations for Title II increased slightly to $837 million, while those for
Title III fell to $29.5 million.  Preliminary allocations of $205 million for
21 countries have been announced for Title I (including the Food for Progress
portion using Title I funds).  This will provide approximately 564,000 tons of
wheat, and smaller quantities of rice, vegetable oil, oilseed meal, and tallow. 
The countries with the largest allocations are Jordan and Georgia, with $21
million and $20 million, respectively. Currently, the countries expected to
receive commodity donations under Food for Progress Title I funded programs for
fiscal 1997 are Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, and Tajikistan.

Import Highlights

U.S. agricultural imports in fiscal 1997 are projected at $34 billion,
unchanged from the December projection.  A stronger U.S. dollar has supported
the overall growth of imports in the first quarter.  Year-to-date imports were
up across all categories except for coffee and live animals.  The total value
of imports for the first quarter was $8.6 billion, $1.1 billion higher than a
year ago. 

U.S. cattle liquidation continued through early 1997, providing ample supplies
of slaughter cattle.  Projected imports of live animals in fiscal 1997 are $1.6
billion, down $100 million from the December projection.  Year-to-date red meat
imports, consisting largely of lower grade meat, were up 8 percent from a year
ago.  Red meat imports are projected at $2.3 billion for fiscal 1997, up from
the projected $2.2 billion in December. Total imports of animals and products
are projected at $6.2 billion for 1997. 

Imports of most horticultural items have continued at an anticipated pace
except for wine and beer which slowed in early fiscal 1997.  Horticultural
product imports are expected to reach $12.5 billion in fiscal 1997, unchanged 
from the December forecast.

Imported grain value was up 48 percent from a year ago in the first quarter. 
The grain import projection was revised upward from 3.9 million tons in
December to 4.1 million tons.  Feed and grain products were lower than expected
in the first 3 months of 1997 and are projected at $2 billion for a yearend
total, down from the projected $2.1 billion in December. Total grains and feed
are projected at $2.7 billion for the year.

Coffee prices are expected to rise in fiscal 1997 because of low stocks in
consuming countries and uncertainty about the size of the South American coffee
crop.  Coffee imports are projected at 1.1 million tons and the import value is
expected to reach $3.1 billion, a $200-million increase over the December
forecast.


Table 1--U.S. agricultural trade, fiscal years, 1992-1997

                        -- Year ending September 30 --

               Fiscal    Fiscal   Fiscal  Fiscal   Fiscal       Forecast 
Item            1992      1993     1994    1995     1996       Fiscal 1997      
                                                                Dec.  Feb.
                                 -- Billion dollars --

Exports         42.5     42.7      43.9     54.6    59.8      55.5     56.5

Imports         24.3     24.5      26.4     29.6    32.4      34.0     34.0

Trade
 balance        18.2     18.2      17.5     25.0    27.4      21.5     22.5

                                 -- Million metric tons --
Export
 volume        143.6    146.4     127.5    169.7   158.4     146.7    145.4



Table 2--U.S. agricultural exports:  Value by commodity, 1995-97

                             October-December    Fiscal      Fiscal 1997
      Commodity                1995     1996      1996        Forecast
                                                            Dec.    Feb.  
                                        --Billion dollars--

Grains and feeds 1/           5.409     4.854    21.553     16.4       16.2
  Wheat & flour               1.734     1.118     7.032      3.9        3.6
  Rice                         .276      .304     1.004       .9        1.0
  Coarse grains 2/            2.318     2.339     9.338      7.3        7.3
    Corn                      2.058     2.093     8.369      6.5        6.4
  Feeds and fodders            .657      .670     2.627      2.7        2.7
Oilseeds and products         2.672     3.907     9.670      9.8       10.7
  Soybeans                    1.784     2.797     6.312      6.4        7.1
  Soybean meal                 .271      .463     1.305      1.3        1.5
  Soybean oil                  .105      .160      .272       .4         .5
Livestock products            2.127     1.890     8.067      8.7        8.5
  Beef, pork & variety meats  1.115      .927     4.343      4.9        4.7
  Hides & skins, incl. furs    .399      .397     1.677      1.7        1.6
Poultry & products             .714      .815     2.730      3.0        3.0
Dairy products                 .183      .174      .719       .7         .7
Tobacco, unmanufactured        .434      .432     1.393      1.4        1.4
Cotton & linters               .972      .684     3.028      2.1        2.6
Seeds                          .202      .282      .727       .8         .8
Horticultural products        2.614     2.781    10.029     10.5       10.5
  Fruits & preparations        .835      .813     3.319      3.5        3.5
  Vegetables & preparations    .598      .634     2.423      2.6        2.6
  Tree nuts & preparations     .463      .522     1.374      1.3        1.3
Sugar, tropical, and other     .474      .535     1.888      2.0        2.1
   Total 3/                  15.801    16.354   59.804      55.5       56.5


Table 3--U.S. agricultural exports:  Volume by commodity, 1995-97

                              October-December   Fiscal      Fiscal 1997
      Commodity                1995     1996      1996         Forecast
                                                            Dec.   Feb.         
                                     --Million metric tons--

Wheat                         8.754     5.989    33.716     21.5      20.5
Wheat flour                    .132      .145      .470       .5        .6
Rice                           .773      .786     2.831      2.3       2.4
Coarse grains 2/             16.872    16.290    58.656     56.0      55.0
   Corn                      15.074    14.571    52.681     49.5      48.5
Feeds & fodders               3.231     2.999    12.065     12.8      12.4
Oilseeds and products         9.144    12.706    30.759     32.7      33.6
  Soybeans                    6.873    10.067    22.372     23.7      24.4
  Soybean meal                1.295     1.710     5.445      5.7       6.0
  Soybean oil                  .168      .289      .450       .8        .8
Beef, pork & variety meats     .349      .320     1.410      1.5       1.5
Poultry meat                   .606      .650     2.330      2.6       2.7
Animal fats                    .405      .261     1.376      1.6       1.4
Cotton & linters               .543      .396     1.703      1.4       1.5
Horticultural products        1.838     1.829     7.139      7.5       7.5
Other                         1.519     1.744     5.917      6.3       6.3
   Total agriculture         44.166     44.078  158.372    146.7     145.4
   Major bulk products 4/    32.017     31.773  119.278    104.9     103.8  
 
  1/ Includes pulses and corn products.  2/ Includes corn, barley, sorghum,
oats, and rye.  3/ Totals might not add due to rounding.  4/ Includes wheat,
rice, coarse grains, soybeans, and cotton.


Table 4--U.S. agricultural exports: Value by region, 1995-97 1/

                             October-December    Fiscal   Fiscal 1997
     Region                    1995     1996      1996      Forecast
                                                           Dec.   Feb.
                               
                                         --Billion dollars--

  Western Europe              2.867    3.018     9.533     9.1    9.3
    European Union 2/         2.768    2.902     9.171     8.8    9.0
    Other Western Europe       .099     .116      .362      .3     .3
  Central and Eastern Europe   .115     .144      .408      .4     .4
  Newly Independent States 3/  .452     .530     1.667     1.9    1.9
    Russia                     .331     .405     1.252     1.5    1.5
  Asia                        6.875    6.917    25.970    23.8   24.3
    Japan                     2.968    2.818    11.839    11.5   11.4
    China                      .517     .777     1.829     1.4    2.0
    Other East Asia           2.080    2.206     8.191     7.4    7.5
      Taiwan                   .702     .735     2.928     2.6    2.6
      South Korea              .925    1.060     3.732     3.2    3.3
      Hong Kong                .453     .410     1.530     1.6    1.6
    Southeast Asia            1.045     .929     3.381     3.1    3.0
      Philippines              .235     .221      .905     .7      .7
    South Asia                 .264     .187      .564     .4      .4
      Pakistan                 .156     .113      .394     .3      .3
  Middle East                  .705     .622     2.593    2.1     2.1
      Israel                   .146     .137      .626     .5      .5
      Saudi Arabia             .176     .146      .580     .5      .5
  Africa                       .934     .614     3.192    2.3     2.1
    North Africa               .664     .387     2.259    1.5     1.4
      Egypt                    .468     .251     1.533    1.0     1.0
      Algeria                  .087     .073      .334     .3      .3
    Sub-Saharan Africa         .270     .227      .933     .8      .7
  Latin America               2.274    2.771     9.973    9.4     9.8
    Mexico                     .993    1.413     5.021    5.1     5.5
    Other Latin America       1.281    1.358     4.952    4.3     4.3
      Brazil                   .172     .169      .590     .5      .5
      Venezuela                .090     .123      .448     .4      .4
  Canada                      1.461    1.607     5.992    6.1     6.2
  Oceania                      .119     .131      .476     .4      .4
       Total                 15.801   16.354    59.804   55.5    56.5
                             
  Developed countries         7.561    7.711    28.466   27.6    27.8
  Developing countries        7.157    7.192    27.434   24.2    24.4
  Other countries             1.083    1.452     3.904    3.7     4.3  

  1/ Country totals are adjusted for transshipments through Canada.
2/ Austria, Finland, and Sweden are included in the European Union.
3/ Newly Independent States (NIS) are the former Soviet Union (FSU).


Table 5--U.S. agricultural imports:  Value by commodity, 1995-97

                             October-December     Fiscal       Fiscal 1997
      Commodity               1995     1996        1996         Forecast
                                                            Dec.    Feb.

                                     --Billion dollars--

Animals and products          1.467    1.617        5.907      6.2         6.2
  Live animals                 .388     .382        1.551      1.7         1.6
  Red meats                    .541     .585        2.251      2.2         2.3
  Dairy products               .324     .387        1.174      1.3         1.3

Horticultural products        2.636    3.031       11.643     12.5        12.5
  Fruits, incl. juices         .750     .958        3.810      4.2         4.2
    Bananas and plantains      .277     .283        1.177      1.3         1.3
  Vegetables and preps.        .734     .846        3.359      3.5         3.6
  Nuts and preps.              .140     .146         .530       .6          .6
  Wine and malt beverages      .712     .801        2.658      3.1         3.1
  Nursery and cut flowers      .228     .234         .946      1.1         1.1

Grains and feeds               .679     .821        2.574      2.7         2.7
  Grains                       .188     .279         .674       .6          .7
  Feed and grain products      .491     .542        1.900      2.1         2.0

Sugar and related products     .268     .368        1.789      1.9         1.9
Oilseeds and products          .481     .570        2.083      1.9         1.9
Tobacco, unmanufactured        .165     .318         .770       .8          .8
Coffee, incl. products         .763     .691        2.860      2.9         3.1
Cocoa, incl. products          .318    .388         1.365      1.4         1.4
Rubber and allied gums         .327    .354         1.441      1.5         1.5
Other products                 .405    .472         2.008      2.1         2.0

   Total                      7.509   8.630        32.440     34.0        34.0


Table 6--U.S. agricultural imports:  Volume by commodity, 1995-97

                           October-December        Fiscal       Fiscal 1997
 Commodity                  1995     1996           1996         Forecast
                                                                 Dec.   Feb.

                                     --Million metric tons--

Red meats                     .240     .255         1.024      1.0         1.0
Cheese and casein             .073     .082          .243       .2          .2
Horticultural products       2.328    2.495        10.826     11.7        11.7
  Fruits and preps.          1.417    1.489         6.695      7.0         7.0
    Bananas and plantains     .960     .953         4.007      4.1         4.1
  Vegetables and preps.       .853     .947         3.903      4.5         4.5
  Nuts and preps.             .058     .059          .194       .2          .2
  Wine and malt beverages 1/ 4.179    4.546        17.795     20.3        20.3
  Fruit juices 1/            5.123    8.755        24.370     26.3        26.3
Grains and feeds             1.825    2.336         6.349      7.0         7.0
  Grains                     1.134    1.601         3.563      3.9         4.1
  Feed and grain products     .692     .735         2.786      3.1         2.9
Sugar, cane or beet 2/        .274     .433         2.733      2.7         2.7
Oilseeds and products         .832     .923         3.345      3.6         3.6
Tobacco, unmanufactured       .059     .103          .259       .3          .3
Coffee, incl. products        .273     .288         1.109      1.2         1.1
Cocoa, incl. products         .182     .212          .817       .9          .9
Rubber and allied gums        .241     .276          .999      1.0         1.0

 1/ Million hectoliters.  Not included in horticultural totals.  2/ Imports for
consumption, product weight. Includes imports of quota-exempt sugar.


Table 7--U.S. agricultural imports:  Value by region, 1995-97

                           October-December     Fiscal    Fiscal 1997
        Region              1995     1996       1996       Forecast
                                                         Dec.  Feb.

                                     --Billion dollars--

Western Europe             1.772     1.998      6.449     6.8       6.7
  European Union 1/        1.724     1.955      6.273     6.6       6.5
  Other Western Europe      .048      .042       .175      .2        .2
Central and Eastern Europe  .080      .098       .223      .2        .2
Newly Independent States 2/ .012      .028       .180      .1        .1
Asia                       1.238     1.417      5.372     5.7       5.7
  Japan                     .078      .076       .284      .3        .3
  China                     .113      .165       .545      .6        .6
  Other East Asia           .078      .092       .334      .4        .4
  Southeast Asia            .842      .942      3.589     3.8       3.8
  South Asia                .127      .142       .620      .7        .6
Middle East                 .113      .211       .420      .4        .4
Africa                      .163      .200       .850      .9        .9
  North Africa              .015      .017       .074      .1        .1
  Sub-Saharan Africa        .147      .182       .776      .8        .8
Latin America              2.260     2.461     10.839    11.5      11.7
  Mexico                    .747      .794      3.716     3.9       3.9
  Other Latin America      1.513     1.667      7.123     7.6       7.8
    Brazil                  .260      .357      1.248     1.3       1.4
    Chile                   .095      .150       .696      .7        .7
Canada                     1.515     1.839      6.463     6.7       6.6
Oceania                     .357      .378      1.635     1.7       1.7

    Total                  7.509     8.630     32.440    34.0      34.0

Developed countries        3.722     4.290     14.830    15.5      15.3
Developing countries       3.583     4.048     16.652    17.6      17.8
Other countries             .205      .291       .948      .9        .9

  1/ Austria, Finland, and Sweden are included in the European Union. 2/ Newly
Independent States (NIS) are the former Soviet Union (FSU).


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