Processed food imports surpass exports in 1998

摘要

Processed food accounts for well over half of total US agricultural exports. In 1998 the first decline was seen in these exports after 2 decades of steady growth. The article gives data for individual categories and their respective rate of declineor increase. Exports to countries affected by the Asian crisis declined in 1998, whilst the outlook for the first half of 1999 shows the pattern to be reversed. Exports to China, Latin America and Europe for 1998 and first half of 1999 are examined. Processed food imports continued to grow in 1998 and a trade deficit showed for the first time since 1991. Data on imports of fresh and frozen fish, meat packing products, alcoholic beverages, pasta, chocolate and cocoa products is listed. Canada is the largest supplier of imports, followed by Mexico and Thailand. Tables showing US exports sector by sector for 1997 are listed. The destinations for US exports are given country by country.