WASHINGTON, April 8, 2008—The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service today announced that it will host a U.S. Pavilion May 14-17, 2008, at SIAL CHINA in Shanghai.

Held annually, SIAL CHINA is one of China’s largest food and beverage industry exhibitions. Last year’s show welcomed 1,097 exhibitors from 62 countries, and more than 22,000 local and international trade buyers and visitors.

U.S. Agricultural exports to China, the fourth largest export market for U.S. agricultural products, totaled more than $9.4 billion in calendar year 2007. China’s accession into the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 2001 has accelerated economic growth and created an environment for rapid development of sophisticated supermarkets and hypermarkets.

Exhibiting in the U.S. Pavilion at SIAL CHINA provides an easy, cost-effective way to promote products, with a choice of furnished booths. Exhibitors will have an opportunity to learn first hand about regional market trends and meet buyers.

Products that have recently shown promise for U.S. exports include pork, cheese, raisins, almonds, walnuts, blueberries, canned vegetables, snacks, health food, coffee and tea drink mixes.

For more information on exhibiting products in the U.S. Pavilion at SIAL CHINA 2008, or for information on other USDA-supported shows, contact Tobitha Jones at (202) 690-1182, or by e-mail at Tobitha.Jones@fas.usda.gov.

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PR 0064-08