U.S. Agriculture department opens trade offices in Beijing and Manila

U.S. Agriculture department opens trade offices in Beijing and Manila    The U.S. Department of Agriculture has opened new trade offices in Beijing and Manila to assist with increased American agricultural trade to these Asian markets.
   China is fourth largest export market for U.S. agricultural products and has recently become a strong market for U.S. soybeans. U.S. agricultural exports to China is expected to reach $5.4 billion in fiscal year 2004, compared to $3.5 billion in 2003 and $1.8 billion in 2002.
   In addition to the Beijing office, U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service also has trade offices in Shanghai and Guangzhou, China.
   The Philippines ranks among the top 20 U.S. agricultural export markets, particularly for commodities of fish and forest products, totaling $677 million in fiscal year 2003.
   Currently, the Foreign Agricultural Service has 80 agricultural affairs and trade offices worldwide covering 130 countries. Trade offices operate as service centers for U.S. exporters and foreign buyers seeking market information. They also help U.S. exporters launch products in markets with diverse food preferences, social customs and marketing systems.