USDA: Trade Solid During First Half of Fiscal Year

The USDA is out with ag trade figures for the first half of this fiscal year, which ran from October through March.  March was the last month of pre-trade dispute world, a a month in which Agriculture Department Analyst Bryce Cook says the U.S. exported $12.9 billion in ag products.

"The best March export total since 2014."

And for the first half of fiscal year 2018,

"Exports are down 3% in 2018 compared to 2017, this year, it's $74.8 billion," Cook said.

He added that's a pretty strong 2018.  But, what's going to happen in the second half of 2018, with several ongoing trade disputes and NAFTA talks?  The USDA will issue it's new trade forecast May 31st, and Cook said it will be interesting to see what kind of forecast is offered.

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