The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service had an exceptional year in 2022, expanding U.S. agricultural trade, ramping up climate change resiliency work, and improving food and nutrition security around the globe.
As President Biden prepares for the 2023 State of the Union address, he will reflect on last year’s progress and forge ahead in promoting economic growth through international trade, championing solutions for the climate crisis and combating nutrition insecurity through FAS programs abroad.
“Undoubtedly, 2022 was a landmark year for the Foreign Agricultural Service. The day-to-day work of our staff brought an incredible series of successes for U.S. farmers and ranchers, food processors, exporters, and everyone involved in agricultural trade abroad,” said FAS Administrator Daniel B. Whitley. “The U.S. agriculture sector not only set new export records but also reaped the benefits of USDA and FAS efforts to expand climate change mitigation work, strengthen global food security activities, and establish new diversity programs.”
More, Better, and New Market Opportunities
FAS actions to reduce and eliminate trade barriers and grow exports of U.S. food and agricultural products yielded tremendous results in 2022. In fiscal year 2022, the United States exported a record $196 billion of U.S. agricultural products. China, Canada, Mexico, Japan, and the EU were the top five markets for U.S. food and agriculture exports. All five markets saw record export values in fiscal year 2022. The top agricultural export commodities – including soybeans, corn, and beef– also increased export values, setting records.
Throughout 2022, FAS staff worked diligently to expand opportunities for U.S. food and agriculture exporters. Working in conjunction with other USDA agencies and the United State Trade Representative, FAS ensured that trade barriers were reduced and new markets opened, benefitting all U.S. growers and exporters. From expanding potato exports to Mexico, opening the processed meat products market in Israel, addressing halal concerns to expand exports to Indonesia and Egypt, and growing ethanol exports to Japan, U.S. agricultural producers and exporters gained access to potential markets worth nearly $6.4 billion in 2022.
FAS hosted five in-person agribusiness trade missions in 2022 after the global COVID-19 pandemic shuttered USDA-sponsored trade missions in 2020 and 2021. FAS connected U.S. exporters with buyers in the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, the Philippines, Kenya and Tanzania, and Spain and Portugal. More than 1,300 business-to-business meetings were held during the trade missions, resulting in more than $42 million in 12-month projected sales.
In addition, FAS organized U.S. food pavilions and exhibits at 20 international trade shows in 14 countries. The events provided an opportunity for nearly 637 U.S. agribusiness and organizations to showcase their products to buyers from around the world, resulting in an astounding $2.48 billion in projected 12-months sales. FAS hosted a USA Pavilion at the FIFA World Cup in November, boosting awareness of U.S. agricultural products in this key market during one of the world’s most attended sporting events.
Source : usda.gov