Ag Exports Trailed To Wrap Up 2017

U.S. Agriculture export sales began to trail of toward the end of 2017. But for all of calendar 2017, 

"You end up with $138.4 Billion worth of agricultural exports," said agriculture economist Bryce Cook. 

That figure is up $3.7 Billion dollars or about 23% compared to 2016.  Cook said while exports were slowing down at the end of the year, imports were picking up, setting a record of $121 Billion. 

"The trade surplus was down $2.9 Billion to a surplus of about $17.4 Billion," 

Taking a look at some of the U.S. export products, soy bean exports fell by 4% in volume, 5% in value. 

"Also, corn was down slightly, at 5% in volume terms, 8% in value."

Some products did make gains during 2017.

"Wheat increased 14% in both value and volume."

Cotton shipments were up 32%, with value rising 47%.