Ag Exports Increased In March, But Deficit Remains

USDA reported an increase in American farm exports in the month of March.

“Ag exports were at 16.1 billion, which is 3% above last year and 18% above February,”  said Ag economist James Kaufman, citing the latest USDA trade outlook.

He noted, in addition, USDA reported lower Ag imports compared to exports for the same month.

“Our Ag imports posted at $20.6 billion or 12% above last year and growing 15% over the previous month,” he said. 

Despite this, Kaufman noted:

“For the month of March, despite the growth in exports, the trade balance was negative at $4.6 billion, with imports being larger than exports.”

The month-over-month and year-over-year export increase is fueled by high value products such as processed foods, vegetable oils and fresh fruits.  Both commodity exports as a whole are 6% lower in fiscal year 2025 to date.

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