This increased turkey trade is a boost to the domestic industry and the U.S. economy. That's up 25 percent from 1996 and more than 10 times the volume of turkey meat exported in 1990. During the same period, the percentage of overall U.S. turkey production exported also has climbed dramatically. About one-tenth of U.S. turkey production this year will end up in export channels. The value of exports also has climbed.
Turkeys help the economy The dramatic growth in turkey business is good for the nation's economy.
Currently, the top markets for the American turkey are Mexico, Russia, South Korea, Hong Kong and Canada. It's worth noting that even with the loss of the European Union market in early 1997, that exports of U.S. turkeys still increased globally. Dark turkey meat parts and products are in especially high demand overseas, while Americans tend to prefer white meat. As in the United States, turkey is becoming increasingly accepted as a substitute for other proteins. It is said Benjamin Franklin wanted the national bird to be a turkey.