Africa and the Middle East

Regional Analysis
Roundup of Challenges and Opportunities Facing U.S. Exporters
Widely varying economies and political systems in Middle Eastern and African countries present opportunities and difficulties for U.S. exporters.

Trade Policy
Progress on Agreements
Several trade agreements have been concluded or are underway between the United States and countries in the region.

Development
Pathways to Food Security
Technical assistance and innovative food aid programs are helping countries in the region.

Market and Trade Trends
Competitor Snapshot: South Africa
A significant agricultural exporter, South Africa shipped $3 billion in agricultural products to other nations in 2003. Public-Private sector partnerships are supporting these export activities.

Exporter Advice
Building Business Relationships
FAS Posts provide advice on markets and setting up business in North Africa and Middle East.

e-Sources
Selected web resources with general information on Africa and the Middle East.

Asia and Oceania

Regional Analysis
Pacific Rim Population Growth Offers Export Opportunities
Populations in Pacific Rim countries are increasing, becoming more urban and getting older, which could create new opportunities for U.S. exporters.

Trade Policy
China's Growth a U.S. Market Fundamental
China's entry into the World Trade Organization provided new and expanded access to this vast and growing market.

Regional Notes
Sharing Scientific Knowledge and Promoting Trade Shows
USDA facilitates Chinese officials' knowledge of U.S. sanitary and phytosanitary measures, Japanese officials' understanding pf U.S. biotech practices and participation in three trade shows.

Development
Activities in the Asia and Oceania Region Run Gamut of Development Continuum
From Afghanistan to Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation countries, increasing agricultural productivity is the key to trade and economic growth.

Chart Spread
China: A Fundamental Market for U.S. Agriculture
U.S. agricultural sales to China surged to $6.1 billion in fiscal 2004 as sales of many major U.S. commodities shattered previous records.

e-Sources
Selected web resources with general information on Asia and Oceania

FAS Field Office Directory

Full magazine in pdf.

The Americas

Regional Analysis & Trade Policy
CAFTA-DR Will Open Markets
The outlook is bright for proposed Central America-Dominican Republic-U.S. Free Trade Agreement provisions.

Market and Trade Trends
Spotlight on Costa Rica: More Than a Tourist Destination
Stability and democracy score big points in this CAFTA-DR market.

Regional Notes
Trade Shows Help U.S. Exporters Succeed in the Americas
FAS-sponsored trade shows provide access to growing markets and guidance for U.S. exporters.

Exporter Advice
Argentina, Peru and the Dominican Republic
With continued economic stability and reductions in trade barriers, new opportunities exist in these countries for U.S. food and beverage exporters.

Chart Spread
Top Markets of the Americas
Canada and Mexico take nearly 80 percent of U.S. agricultural exports in the Western Hemisphere, but many smaller markets also show promise.

e-Sources
Selected web resources with general information on the Americas.

Europe

Regional Analysis
The EU's New Constitution and Some History
A new constitution for the European Union has implications for agriculture.

Trade Policy
Consultations, Listening Sessions and Status of U.S.-EU Trade Topics
A roundup of issues and policies of importance to Europe and the United States.

Market and Trade Trends
In Russia and Poland, Trends Are Portentous and Promising
Russia, the world's fastest growing retail market, and Poland, with its large and modernizing retail sector, are replete with opportunities and risks for U.S. exporters.

Exporter Advice
Business Culture and Climate in Russia
Here are some ground rules, tips and caveats on doing business in Russia, where U.S. exporters can secure a place only through hard work and assiduous attention.

Chart Spread
U.S. Agricultural Trade in Europe
A synopsis of U.S. agricultural, fish and forest product exports to Europe.

e-Sources
Selected web resources with general information on Europe.