“China is a vital market for U.S. agricultural products, and this new office will help exporters take advantage of rising per capita incomes and steady economic growth in the region by raising the profile of American agricultural and food products,” said U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, in a statement.
The USDA said the new trade office's location in China represents a significant step as the United States progresses from the major market centers of Beijing, Guangzhou and Shanghai, to up-and-coming emerging city markets like Shenyang and Chengdu.
According to USDA, China is the second-largest market for U.S. agricultural exports, importing about $13 billion worth of U.S. ag products in fiscal year 2009.
In addition to continued demand for traditional products such as soybeans and cotton, there has also been strong demand for high-value and high-quality products such as meat and consumer-oriented products including wine and beer, USDA said.
'While U.S. bulk commodities have fared well in this market — the market for U.S. soybeans accounts for 9 percent of all U.S. agricultural exports — U.S. consumer-ready foods like nuts, dairy products and wine are also important exports,' USDA said.
USDA now has 102 overseas offices in 82 countries around the world. These offices help market and promote U.S. agricultural, fish and forestry products, and to assist in trade development in their respective regions. The offices provide a starting point for U.S. companies, cooperatives, farmers and processors interested in exporting.
