Farm products were among the worst hit, dropping 42 percent, according to the state Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development. And the U.S. Department of Agriculture is predicting a 5 percent drop in the nation's agricultural exports next year. Asian fortunes are vital to U.S. agriculture's fortunes. Still, some major exporters are positioning themselves for the eventual turnaround of the Northwest's trade lifeline. But it probably won't be until at least after 2000 that Asian economies make big advances toward pre-1996 levels, said O'Rourke, speaking at the Pacific Northwest Vegetable Association's annual meeting in Pasco.
Japan is the key here.
If Japan doesn't turn around, it will take the other countries longer to do it. The topsy-turvy world of international marketing got plenty of attention at the farm show, which drew 450 people. Oregon has good reason to worry about Asia. Instead of buying U.S. goods, Asians are trying to sell their TVs, computers and stereos on Western shores. In some cases, shipping companies are finding it's more profitable to haul empty containers across the ocean and make a quick turnaround for the United States with consumer goods than it is to ship full containers to Asia that might sit on the dock for a few weeks.