New numbers from USDA show progress in reducing the U.S. agricultural trade deficit, but officials say there is still more work ahead to return to a long-standing trade surplus.
USDA Undersecretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Luke Lindberg says when the administration took office, the U.S. was facing a significant ag trade deficit after years of declining market access opportunities.
Lindberg says while the U.S. is not back to a trade surplus yet, the improvement shows there is still strong global demand for American agriculture when access to those markets is available.
He says one of the biggest challenges in recent years has been a lack of new trade agreements, which can limit opportunities for farmers to sell their products overseas.
Lindberg says that is why rebuilding market access has been a major focus, working to open new opportunities in countries around the world.
He says the next step is turning that market access into actual market share, making sure U.S. products are not only available, but competitive in global markets.
Lindberg says that includes building relationships with buyers, strengthening supply chains, and continuing to expand trade opportunities.
He says the ultimate goal is to create consistent demand for U.S. agriculture and return the country to a positive agricultural trade balance.
