Exports of high-value products decreased in value from 1998. By far, poultry exports registered the largest retreat in value, followed by nuts, feeds, and hides. Lower worldwide demand due to currency devaluations is partly responsible. Asia, Latin America, and Europe shared almost equally in lower U.S. sales. Import gains were largest from Brazil, followed by Canada, Mexico, Chile, India, and Australia.
Exports boost the U.S. economy.
Production from more than a third of U.S. cropland moved into export channels. An estimated 808,000 full-time jobs, including 488,000 in the nonfarm sector, were related to agricultural exports in 1998.