The Changing Role of the United States in the Global Agricultural Trade

Abstract

The agriculture sector in the United States depends upon exports for its vitality. Sales of U.S. agricultural products abroad are responsible for 20 percent of U.S. farm income, supporting more than one million American jobs on and off the farm, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The U.S. Government pays great attention to supporting exports as an important factor in the stability of agriculture and the well-being of American farmers. The U.S. Department of Agriculture implements more than 20 state programs for financial, informational, educational and technical support for exports; its representative offices abroad are actively working to promote American agricultural products and search for new markets. Free Intergovernmental Trade Agreements help expand foreign markets for U.S. producers and exporters by reducing or eliminating trade barriers, protecting U.S. economic interests. The ХХ1st century has brought increased competition in the world market due to the entry of new exporters. The competitive prices they offer and the high quality of products for many importers became significant factors that determined the choice in favor of these countries. As a result, the U.S. position in the world market has noticeably deteriorated. The country has lost its leadership in exporting a number of major agricultural products, and for the first time in 60 years, the United States has become a net importer of agricultural products.