The American agricultural sector posted its best export year ever in 2022, with international sales of U.S. farm and food products reaching $196 billion, according to U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack.
The numbers speak for themselves: Final 2022 trade data released recently by the U.S. Commerce Department shows that U.S. agricultural exports increased 11%, or $19.5 billion, from the previous record set in 2021.
This second consecutive year of record-setting agricultural exports, coupled with a record $160.5 billion in net farm income in 2022, demonstrates the success of efforts to create new and better markets for America’s agricultural producers and businesses. The record-breaking sales numbers are a result of strengthening relationships with our trading partners and holding those partners accountable for their commitments. We’re knocking down trade barriers that hamper U.S. producers’ access to key markets. And we’re continuing to invest in export market development programs, partnering with industry to bring high-quality, cost-competitive U.S. products to consumers around the world.
The value of sales increased in all the U.S.’ top 10 agricultural export markets, as listed below:
- China
- Mexico
- Canada
- Japan
- European Union
- South Korea
- Taiwan
- Philippines
- Colombia
- Vietnam
What’s more, sales in seven of the export markets — China, Mexico, Canada, South Korea, Taiwan, the Philippines and Colombia — set new records.
“While we remain committed to our established customer base around the world, we are also setting our sights on new growth opportunities in places like Africa, Latin America, the Middle East and Southeast Asia. Overall, there were 30 markets where U.S. exports exceeded $1 billion in 2022 — an increase from 27 markets in 2021 — demonstrating the broad global appeal of American-grown products,” Vilsack said.
The top commodities exported by the U.S. in 2022 were soybeans, corn, beef, dairy, cotton and tree nuts, which together made up more than half of U.S. agricultural export value. International sales of many U.S. products — including soybeans, cotton, dairy, beef, ethanol, poultry, soybean meal, distilled spirits and distillers’ grains — reached record values.
Vilsack further stated, “At the end of the day, agricultural trade is all about opportunities — for America’s farmers and ranchers, for our rural communities, for the U.S. economy and for our global customers. We extend our gratitude to the Americans across the agricultural industry who create and support those opportunities by growing, processing, selling and shipping our farm and food products to the world.”
EDITOR’S TAKE:
Your CAD team has consistently reported on the importance of agricultural exports to the overall U.S. economy and to farmers and ranchers in particular. This latest data only serves to reinforce just how much our ag exports contribute to our financial well-being. The data also sheds light on the popularity of U.S. produced commodities and food items in other nations. As Secretary Vilsack points out, record ag export sales combined with record domestic sales, resulted in record net farm incomes for our nations farmers and ranchers. That is what creates a perfect marketing opportunity for any CAD member. Be sure to promptly post your inventory on AgTruckTrader.com. Unlike other online sales sites, AgTruckTrader.com targets farmers and ranchers - AND IT’S FREE!
