Agricultural trade throughout the world is changing. Keeping up with fluctuations in markets, new and amended regulations, and issues that affect trade is challenging. Technology and fewer trade restrictions have opened international markets for both buyers and sellers.

U.S. agricultural trade programs are designed to develop and expand commercial outlets for U.S. commodities and to provide international food assistance. Farmers in the United States produce more with the same or even fewer resources than 50 years ago. American farmers must look to foreign markets because production and production capacity is increasing faster than domestic demand.

Trade provides U.S. consumers with access to a wider variety of foods at reasonable prices, including those not produced domestically. Trade brings tropical fruits, coffee, and exotic cheeses to American consumers. Imports make fresh fruits and vegetables, such as asparagus and grapes, available at affordable prices during winter months. U.S. food processors rely on global markets for many food ingredients, such as cocoa (combined with domestic sugar and dairy products) for chocolate.

What is U.S. Agricultural Trade Policy The Importance of Agricultural Trade Trade Glossary, Chronology, and Acronyms  (from The Language of Trade, U.S. Department of State) Frequently Asked Questions About U.S. Agricultural Trade	Trade Trends Find out more about the WTO Mini-Ministerial in Geneva (July 2008) WTO Doha Round of Trade Negotiations Biotechnology and U.S. Agricultural Trade Trade Delivers Growth, Jobs, Prosperity and Security (2006; .pdf)
Trade Agreements Opening Markets for Growth: The U.S. FTA Agenda (2006; .pdf) Regional Agreements            Free Trade Agreement of the Americas (FTAA)            North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA)            Central American-Dominican Republic-United States (CAFTA-DR) Free Trade Agreements        Country Agreements                U.S.-Chile                U.S.-India                U.S.-Korea                U.S.-European Union                Trade With Cuba          U.S.-Canada           U.S.-South African Customs Union (SACU) Trade	Trade News and Data Trade Data Recent Headlines USTR Announces Revised Trade Action in Beef Hormones Dispute (01/15/09) USTR Statement on Signing of Protocol to the 2005 U.S.-Russia Agreement on Trade in Certain Types of Poultry, Beef, and Pork (12/29/08) Statement by USTR Schwab Regarding Entry into Force of the U.S.-Oman Free Trade Agreement (12/29/08)          More Trade News ... Start Trading!!! Exporting--Getting Started Links for Exporters Export.gov
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