Browse Data and Analysis

A number of factors have converged over the last 18 months to send global agricultural commodity prices to near-record levels. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine – and the potential loss of Ukrainian exports – was the latest development to push commodity prices higher.

As countries roll back COVID-19 restrictions, foreign market demand for beef is becoming a bright spot for U.S. producers.

In the first quarter of 2021, U.S. soybean exports reached the second-highest value ever at $7.7 billion, nearly double the same period last year.

Strong foreign demand and reduced competition have sharply boosted exports to record levels for U.S. corn in 2020/21.

China’s bakery sector has been expanding rapidly in recent years, underpinned by the country’s rising middle class, ongoing Westernization of lifestyles and diets, and increasing demand.

Japanese consumers have become more health conscious, demanding food products that contain natural ingredients, minimize additives and sweeteners, and support health, dietary, and functional needs.

While trade tensions and China’s retaliatory tariffs slashed U.S. agricultural exports to China in 2018 and 2019,

The significant rise of dog- and cat-owning households in East Asia presents an opportunity to increase the U.S. exports of pet food.

China’s announcement of tariff exclusions following the Phase One agreement had an immediate impact on U.S. sorghum exports mainly because of the sheer volume China purchases and its effect on prices.

Taiwan is an important trading partner and offers many opportunities for sales of U.S. food and agricultural products.

There is an array of opportunities for U.S. agricultural exporters in Japan, though its unique culture and regulatory environment present challenges.

On December 8, 2017, Japan and the European Union (EU) announced the finalization of negotiations on the Japan-EU Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA).