Hides and skins exports to Canada, Mexico, and to East Asia lag 1998's pace as well. The purchasing power of these countries' currencies weakened as the dollar strengthened. Imports are expected to surpass the past year's value because U.S. consumers continue to take advantage of the dollar's high purchasing power. The major foreign sources of U.S. agricultural imports so far in 1999 are Canada, the European Union, Mexico, Brazil, Colombia, Indonesia, Australia, and Chile. U.S. vegetable exports rising-Vegetables are the only major HVP showing export gains in fiscal 1999.
Fresh vegetables account for about a quarter of all vegetable exports.
At 1.6 million tons for the 10 months, U.S. fresh vegetable exports show a 2-percent gain in quantity, while having slipped slightly in value. The growth reflects larger 1999 U.S. acreage, very low prices, and increased demand, particularly in Asian markets.