USDA: Ag Imports Remain High In 2021

When it comes to the top 30 Ag products being imported to the United States during the first 10 months of this year, "We see almost no negative signs; it's all increasing," noted USDA economist and trade tracker, Bart Kenner. He added many of those products are increasing, compared to last year's numbers, but double digits.

So far this year, compared to the same 10 months from 2020, the U.S. is importing 15% more beef, port imports are up more than 42%, wine and cheese both up by 28%. In addition the U.S. is also purchasing more foreign vegetables, fresh cut flowers, fruit juices.

"Overall, imports were up 16% by value, coming in at almost $140.5 billion."

But U.S. exports of Ag products for the same 10 month timeframe are up over 21% to $142 billion. Last year at this time, the U.S. had bought more Ag products than what had been sold. This year the U.S. erased the trade deficit and are running a trade surplus of over $1.5 billion.

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