Livestock product exports have doubled over the last dozen years. Exports of high value crops, such as fruits and vegetables, account for an increasing share of crop exports. Exports have fluctuated significantly over the last 20 years. There are many reasons for this, including large changes in exchange rates, changes in U.S. farm and trade policies, and changes in economic, and farm and trade policies in other countries. The destinations for U.S. exports also are changing.
Japan is the number one market, and Asia is the number one region.
Their market share is increasing and this is likely to continue. Agricultural trade with Western Europe has declined and this also will continue. Trade with Africa and the countries of the former Soviet Union will not improve until political and economic problems are resolved. Prospects for increased trade with Latin America will depend in part on the outcome of initiatives to create new free trade areas. The accords negotiated under the Uruguay Round of GATT will not have a dramatic impact on overall agricultural trade but do set precedents for major changes in future rounds.