U.S. agricultural trade programs are designed to develop and expand commercial outlets for U.S. commodities and agricultural products, provide international food assistance, and offer U.S. consumers with access to a wider variety of foods at reasonable prices, including those not produced domestically.
U.S. agriculture looks overseas to boost domestic incomes by expanding existing markets access and opening new markets. The U.S. is the largest exporter of agricultural products in the world and is a highly competitive producer of many products.
The U.S. is pursuing trade liberalization through trade negotiations and policies that boost prospects for food and agricultural markets in developing countries which stimulates economic growth and development. With access to growing markets, American producers will have greater opportunities to grow and develop their businesses.
The WTO functions as the principal international body concerned with multilateral negotiations on the reduction of trade barriers and other measures that distort competition.
USDA reviews the successes of the Uruguay Round Agreement on Agriculture (AoA). WTO member countries committed to reducing agricultural tariffs and increasing export subsidies and domestic support.
In the Uruguay Round Agreement of Agriculture (AoA), WTO member
countries committed to national schedules of tariffs to be applied to imported goods. USDA provides a means of searching for current tariffs for agricultural products by country or product groups.
The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) is responsible for developing and coordinating U.S. international trade, commodity, and direct investment policy, and leading or directing negotiations with other countries on such matters.