Foreign Markets

A complete search for ways to forge connections between producers and consumers requires the consideration of foreign as well as domestic markets. Aside from being farther away from the U.S. point-of-production or processing, foreign consumers make beef purchasing decisions with the same things in mind as U.S. consumers.

The major drivers of beef demand by consumers worldwide are:
  • safety of the product
  • quality and taste
  • health benefits and nutritional factors
  • ease of preparation and convenience


The Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) division of the United Stated Department of Agriculture (USDA) emphasizes that the best way to achieve export success is to formulate an export strategy based on solid information and sound assessments.

Some companies begin export activities haphazardly without carefully screening target markets or options for market entry. While these companies may have a measure of success, they most likely have overlooked better export opportunities. If early export efforts are unsuccessful because of poor planning, a company may be misled into abandoning exporting altogether. The FAS Web site at http://www.fas.usda.gov/agexport/ exporter.html is designed to guide U.S. food and fiber companies, new to exporting, through the information gathering and assessment process that is needed to develop a successful export plan.

In 1999, the top five export markets for beef accounted for almost 93 percent of total exports. Japan was the largest U.S. export market for beef, accounting for 52 percent, followed by Mexico with 17 percent, South Korea with about 12 percent, Canada with 10 percent, and Taiwan with 2 percent. The top five U.S. export markets for hides and skins accounted for about 80 percent of the total in 1999. Korea was the largest U.S. export market, accounting for about 31 percent of the total, followed by Taiwan with 17 percent, Mexico with 16 percent, China with 9 percent, and Japan with 8 percent. (Source: U.S. Dept. of Commerce, US. Industry & Trade Outlook 2000.)

While a large share of the export business is clearly handled by the major U.S. packers, the diversity and size of the global marketplace also provides a great opportunity for niche market opportunities. A review of a partial list of the packer-members of the U.S. Meat Export Federation provides some idea of who is participating in the global beef marketplace, where they are located and the variety of world demands and destinations.

U.S. Meat Export Federation Exporting Packer Profiles

  • Advance Food Company
  • Advance Food Company, 201 S. Raleigh Road, Enid, OK 73701
    Phone: (580) 237-6656
    This establishment is Russian approved .
  • Agri-West International, Inc.
    Agri-West International, Inc., 511 West Rhapsody, San Antonio, TX 78216
    Phone: (210) 525-1101
    This trading company exports beef, pork and lamb to Mexico, Japan, Korea, Taiwan,
    the Philippines, Grand Cayman and Aruba.
  • AK-SAR-BEN
    AK-SAR-BEN, 3101 S. 24th , Omaha, NE 68108
    Phone: (402) 341-8720
    This plant is halal certified.
  • Alload, Inc.
    Alload, Inc., 6280 Manchester Blvd., #215, Buena Park, CA 90621
    Phone: (714) 521-2000, ext. 10
    Alload, Inc., is a 2-year-old trading company specializing in frozen, grain-fed choice and select short ribs, chuck rolls, fore and hind shanks, and pork bellies. It currently exports to South Korea and hopes to expand its business in this particular market.
  • Green Bay Dressed Beef
    Green Bay Dressed Beef , 544 Acme St., Green Bay, WI 54308
    Phone: (414) 436-6484
    This establishment is EU approved for tongue, heart, kidney, liver and stomach only.
  • Bell Export Food Groups
    Bell Export Food Groups, Pier 19 N, 325 N. Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia, PA 19106
    Phone: (215) 829-9090
    It currently represents six meat companies on the East Coast and exports to the EU, Russia, Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Korea, the Caribbean and the Middle East.
  • The Bruss Company
    The Bruss Company, 3548 N. Kostner, Chicago, IL 60641
    Phone: (773) 282-2900
    This establishment is EU approved for muscle meats.
  • Crescent Food Sales, Inc.
    Crescent Food Sales, Inc., 400 Port Carteret Dr., Cateret, NJ 07008
    Phone: (732) 541-0200
    Crescent Foods is trader of beef, pork, veal and lamb. Its major export markets are Germany, Denmark, Egypt, Korea, the Philippines, Caribbean, Taiwan, Singapore, South Africa, Hong Kong, Bulgaria and Poland.
  • Custom Meats Corporation
    Custom Meats Corporation, 1802 Levee St., Dallas, TX 75207
    Phone: (214) 747-9606
    EU-approved plant produces specialty beef and pork cuts manufactured, packaged and labeled according to customer specifications. Custom Meats is active in the European market.
  • Dallas Crown, Inc.
    Dallas Crown, Inc., 2000 W. Fair, Kaufman, TX 75142
    Phone: (214) 932-3436
    This establishment is EU approved for muscle meat.
  • Day-Lee Foods, Inc.
    Day-Lee Foods, Inc., 13055 E. Molette St., Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670
    Phone: 562-802-6835
    A purveying and trading company, Day-Lee Foods exports beef, pork, chicken and variety meats to Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Singapore and Hong Kong.
  • Eastern Food Exporters
    Eastern Food Exporters, 100 W. John Robert Thomas Dr., P.O. Box 1299, Exton, PA
    19341
    Phone: (610) 594-5000
    Eastern Food Exporters is exporting beef and pork to Canada, Mexico, Russia, Hong Kong, Caribbean and Eastern Europe.
  • E. Boyd & Associates, Inc.
    E. Boyd & Associates, Inc., P.O. Box 99189, Raleigh, NC 27624-9189
    Phone: (919) 846-8000
    Currently, E. Boyd & Associates, Inc., is exporting to Australia, Europe, and East and Southeast Asia.
  • Ellison Meat Company
    Ellison Meat Company, 1401 Sioux Dr., Pipestone, MN 56164
    Phone: (507) 825-5486
    The company specializes in frozen, portion-controlled beef and pork products. This plant served as a model facility in implementing USDA’s HACCP program. Ellison
    exports to Japan, Mexico, Thailand and Korea.
  • Emborg Foods USA, Inc.
    Emborg Foods USA, Inc., 110 Crabapple Road, Suite 103, Roswell, GA 30075-3090
    Phone: (770) 643-1213
    The Emborg Group is involved in the retail, foodservice and commodity sectors of the food business supplying meat, dairy, seafood and vegetable products to international markets. It operates offices in Aalborg, Denmark; Hamburg, Germany; Moscow, Russia; Dubai, UAE; and Kobe, Japan.
  • Emerald International Trade, Ltd.
    Emerald International Trade, Ltd., 1218 3rd Ave., Suite 1620, Seattle, WA 98101
    Phone: (206) 628-3750
    The company specializes in chilled beef and pork and frozen processed meats along with a variety of other food products. Emerald International currently exports to Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, China, Russia and Korea.
  • ESS-Food USA, Inc.
    ESS-Food USA, Inc., 4601 Sheridan St., Suite 420, Hollywood, FL 33021
    Phone: (954) 981-1770
    ESS-Food USA, Inc., is an importing and exporting trading company handling frozen pork and beef cuts and by-products. Its current export markets are South America, Europe, Russia and the Caribbean.
  • Excel Corporation
    Excel Corporation, 151 North Main St., P.O. Box 2519, Wichita, KS 67201-2519
    Phone: (316) 291-2500     
  • Farmland Foods, Inc.
    Farmland Foods, Inc., 10150 North Executive Hills Blvd., Kansas City, MO 64153
    Phone: (816) 891-1200
  • Freedman Food Service, Inc.
    Freedman Food Service, Inc., P.O. Box 1449, Houston, TX 77251-1449
    Phone: (713) 229-8000
    Freedman Food is a full line distributor of meat products and a purveyor of portion food products. Mexico is its primary export market.
  • Frontier Foods International
    Frontier Foods International, 100 Packer Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19148
    Phone: (215) 334-9284
    Frontier Foods International is a trader dealing in beef products. This establishment is halal certified.
  • Global Marketing Associates
    6445 Powers Ferry Rd., Suite 220, Atlanta, GA 30339
    Phone: (770) 859-0911
    Global Marketing Associates is an international trading company dealing primarily in frozen beef and pork. It exports to Eastern Europe, Russia, Hong Kong and China.
  • Granpac Foods, Inc.
    Granpac Foods, Inc., 7124 North Marine Dr., Portland, OR 97203
    Phone: (503) 286-6548
    Granpac Foods, Inc., produces value added meat products, particularly oriental food type products for the Japanese market.
  • Hanwha International Corp.
    Hanwha International Corp., 2559 Route 130, Cranbury, NJ 08512
    Phone: (609) 655-2500, ext. 713
    Hanwha purchases U.S.-manufactured goods for the Korean market, including beef and pork products. It hopes to expand into other Asian markets.
  • Harris Ranch Beef Co.
    16277 S. McCall Ave., P.O. Box 220, Selma, CA 93662
    Phone: (209) 896-3081
    This establishment is halal certified.
  • H & H Meat Products Co., Inc.
    H & H Meat Products Co., Inc., P.O. Box 358, Mercedes, TX 78570
    Phone: (956) 565-6363
    Product lines include processed beef products, beef and pork chorizo, portion control products and fully cooked charbroiled and breaded products. H&H exports to Mexico and Korea. This plant is kosher certified.
  • H. Shenson International
    H. Shenson International, 6029 N. 16th St., Omaha, NE 68110
    Phone: (402) 455-6225
    Shenson first exported beef to Japan in 1968. It specializes in portion control, slice ready and sliced red meat cuts for export to the food service industry, with beef as its primary product. This establishment is halal certified and is approved for export to Malaysia. HSI is also a Certified Angus Beef Processor.
  • IBP, Inc.
    IBP, Inc., 800 Stevens Port Dr., Suite 813, Dakota Dunes, SD 57049
    Phone: (605) 235-2061
  • International Trading Co. (Corporate Headquarters)
    International Trading Co. (Corporate Headquarters), 3100 Canal St., Houston, TX
    77003-1698
    Phone: (713) 224-5901; (800) 284-3242
    International Trading Co., Ltd. (ITC), is a certified ISO 9001 facility. ITC exports processed pork and beef items and canned pork products to Japan, Canada, Mexico, Jamaica, Argentina, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Kuwait, Bahamas and South Korea. This establishment is halal certified.
  • J.F. O’Neill Packing Co.
    J.F. O’Neill Packing Co., 3120 G St., Omaha, NE 68107
    Phone: (503) 699-8926
    This establishment is halal certified and EU approved for muscle meat.
  • Kraft Foods International
    Oscar Mayer/Louis Rich Exports
    Kraft Foods International, Oscar Mayer/Louis Rich Exports, 800 West Chester Ave.
    (Ra-6S), Rye Brook, NY 10573
    Phone: (914) 335-7780
    Oscar Mayer Exports produces processed beef and pork products for world markets.
  • L & L Packing Company
    527 West 41st St., Chicago, IL 60609
    Phone: (773) 285-5400; (800) 628-6328
    This establishment is halal certified.
  • Lamex Foods, Inc.
    Lamex Foods, Inc., 3300 Edinborough Way, Suite 710, Edina, MN 55435
    Phone: (612) 844-0585
    Lamex Foods, Inc., is a trading company dealing in frozen beef and pork products. It exports to Asia, Latin America and Europe.
  • Lay’s Fine Foods
    Lay’s Fine Foods, 400 East Jackson Ave., Knoxville, TN 37901
    Phone: (423) 546-2511
    Lay’s exports to Mexico and Russia.
  • Lee Enterprises, Inc.
    Lee Enterprises, Inc., 6000 E. Evans Ave., Suite 3-337, Denver, CO 80222
    Phone: (303) 759-9468
    Lee Enterprises is a trading company concentrating on Japan, Korea and China. All beef and pork muscle meats and variety meats are traded.
  • Local & Western of Texas, Inc.
    Local & Western of Texas, Inc., 8235 Douglas Ave., Suite 1105 LB67, Dallas, TX 75225
    Phone: (214) 750-6633
    Local & Western represents companies that have approval to export halal and kosher products, as well as offals, to the EU and pork to the Russian Federation.
  • Loggins Meat Company, Inc.
    Loggins Meat Company, Inc., 1908 E. Erwin, Tyler, TX 75702
    Phone: (903) 595-1011
    Loggins Meat Company produces portion control steaks, marinated steaks, hamburger and breaded meat products for export to Canada, Mexico, Malaysia, Japan, Korea, Indonesia, Singapore and the Philippines. This establishment is halal certified.
  • Long Island Beef Company
    Long Island Beef Company, 565 West St., New York, NY 10014
    Phone: (212) 243-1120
    Long Island Beef Company exports to the EU, Latin America and the Caribbean.
  • Louis Dreyfus Corporation
    Louis Dreyfus Corporation, 10 Westport Rd., Wilton, CT 06897-0810
    Phone: (203) 761-2000
    Louis Dreyfus is a purveyor/trader of chilled beef sets and offals produced to Asian specifications. Its major export markets are Canada and Japan.
  • MacDonald Meat Company
    MacDonald Meat Company, 2709 Airport Way South, Seattle, WA 98134
    Phone: (206) 623-7993
    The MacDonald Meat Company exports to Taiwan, Thailand, the Philippines, Japan, Indonesia and Singapore. MacDonald Meats is a Certified Angus Beef processor.
  • Meat Commodities, Inc.
    Meat Commodities, Inc., 339 Merrimon Ave., Asheville, NC 28801
    Phone: (828) 258-0120
    Meat Commodities, Inc., is a beef, pork and poultry trader. Its major markets include Russia, Europe and Canada.
  • MeatLink, Inc.
    MeatLink, Inc., 16247 N. 108TH Way, Scottsdale, AZ 85259
    Phone: (480) 419-8013
    MeatLink, Inc., is a trading company dealing with U.S. beef and pork products. The company is especially interested in the export business to Mexico, South Africa and Russia.
  • Meta Foods, L.L.C.
    Meta Foods, L.L.C., 5730 Glenridge Dr., Suite 302, Atlanta, GA 30328-5398
    Phone: (404) 843-2400
    Meta Foods’ primary product lines are fresh and chilled beef and pork products and pork and beef offals. Its major export markets are Japan, Korea, Hong Kong, China, ASEAN, Russia and Eastern Europe.
  • Midamar Corporation
    Midamar Corporation, 1105 60th Ave. SW, P.O. Box 218, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404
    Phone: (319) 362-3711
    FAX: (319) 362-4111
    E-mail: midamar@mwci.net
    Midamar Corporation is a contract slaughter plant, warehouse and distribution center. This establishment is halal and kosher certified.
  • Midway Provision
    Midway Provision, 401 South Main, Wayland, MI 49348
    Phone: (616) 792-6231
    Midway Provision is a trading company dealing in the sale of beef, pork and byproducts, as well as products for the pharmaceutical industry. It exports to Hong Kong, China, Taiwan, Japan and Mexico.
  • Mirasco, Inc.
    Mirasco, Inc., 900 Circle 75 Pkwy., Suite 175, Atlanta, GA 30339
    Phone: (770) 956-1945
    Mirasco is a worldwide organization specializing in the exportation of meat products. It serves halal customers in the Middle East. The company has offices in Alexandria, Egypt; Cairo Egypt; Montevideo, Uruguay; and Mar del Plata, Argentina.
  • Monfort International (Division of ConAgra Refrigerated Foods International)
    Monfort International (Division of ConAgra Refrigerated Foods International), P.O.
    Box G, Greeley, CO 80632
    Phone: (970) 353-2311
  • Northern Beef Industries, Inc.
    311 RR 620 South, Suite 103, Austin, TX 78734
    Phone: (512) 263-8763
    Northern Beef Industries, Inc., specializes in beef and pork offals and grinding materials. Its main export market is Mexico.
  • Omaha Steaks Food Service
    Omaha Steaks Food Service, P.O. Box 3300, Omaha, NE 68103-0300
    Phone: (402) 597-8100
    Omaha Steaks is a purveyor and marketer of steaks, meats and other gourmet foods. It offers customized products such as Omaha Steaks Angus Beef and USDA Prime and Choice. Its export markets are the Caribbean and the Pacific Rim countries.
  • Parker International, Inc.
    Parker International, Inc., 265 E. 100 South, Suite 300, Salt Lake City, UT 84111
    Phone: (801) 531-6565
    Parker International, Inc., is a trader of beef and pork products as well as a distributor of beef, beef offals and white cow products under its private label “Cowboy” brand. Its export markets are Japan, Korea, Hong Kong, Indonesia and Eastern Europe.
  • Provimi Veal Corporation
    Provimi Veal Corporation, W. 2103 County Rd., Seymour, WI 54165
    The company is halal certified and EU approved for offals and muscle meats.
  • Quirch Foods Company
    Quirch Foods Company, P.O. Box 3366, Hialeah, FL 33013
    Phone: (305) 691-3535
    Quirch Foods supplies utility, no roll, select, Angus and Choice beef to its customers and operates a portion control facility to hand-cut and individually vacuum pack a variety of cuts for specific use in the foodservice sector. Quirch currently exports to Mexico, Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, Suriname, Costa Rica, Honduras, Guatemala, Nicaragua and Panama. It also supplies customers in Haiti, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, the Bahamas, Turks & Caicos Islands, Antigua, Barbados, St. Martin, St. Barts and the Cayman Islands. The company would like to further develop these markets and also would like to expand into Asia.
  • Rain or Shine International
    Rain or Shine International, P.O. Box 720427, Dallas, TX 75372
    Phone: (214) 219-0780
    Rain or Shine International is a vertically cooperative beef export operation. Through agreements with feedlots and a custom slaughter and fabrication operation, the entire chain from cattle purchasing to feeding to fabrication is customized according to the specifications of the buyer. It exports to Mexico and Korea.
  • Ruprecht Company
    Ruprecht Company, 370 North Carpenter St., Chicago, IL 60607-1223
    Phone: (312) 829-4100
    The company specially selects and ages top quality beef to produce steaks and chops according to individual customer specifications. Ruprecht exports to the Caribbean and to Mexico. It would like to export to Japan.
  • R.W. Meats
    R.W. Meats, 5001 West 80th St., Bloomington, MN 55437
    Phone: (612) 897-1134
    R.W. Meats is a trader of beef, pork, lamb, veal, mutton and offals including byproducts, cuts and processing materials. Its current export markets are Canada, Mexico, Chile, Peru and Russia.
  • Sakashita Meat Supply Corporation
    Sakashita Meat Supply Corporation, 1281 Cabrillo Ave. #306, Torrance, CA 90501
    Phone: 310-328-0000
    Main product lines include beef, beef offal, and pork products. Sakashita’s export business is in Japan, Korea and Brazil.
  • Simeus Foods International, Inc.
    Simeus Foods International, Inc., 812 South 5th Ave., Mansfield, TX 76063
    Phone: (817) 473-522
    Primary products are portion controlled steaks, breaded products, pork sausage, cooked meat products and ground beef patties. Brazil is the main export market. This establishment is halal approved for Indonesia.
  • Simplot Meat Products, Inc.
    Simplot Meat Products, Inc., P.O. Box 1158, Nampa, ID 83653-1158
    Phone: (208) 466-2478
    Simplot Meat Products’ export markets are Asia, Latin America, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.
  • Taylor Packing Company, Inc.
    Taylor Packing Company, Inc.. Route 706, P.O. Box 188, Wyalusing, PA 18853
    Phone: (717) 746-3820
    This establishment is EU approved for offals.
  • TREX Corporation
    TREX Corporation, 1200 Bayhill Dr., Suite 122, San Bruno, CA 94066
    Phone: (415) 589-4000
    TREX Corporation, an export trading company, deals in beef and beef variety meats, pork, lamb, and cooked and processed meat items. TREX is the exclusive representative for several packers and processors and is a licensed exporter of Certified Angus Beef. It exports to Japan, Taiwan and Korea.
  • W&G Marketing Company, Inc.
    W&G Marketing Company, Inc., P.O. Box 1742, 413 Kellogg Ave., Ames, IA 50010
    Phone: (515) 233-4050; (515) 232-5057
    FAX: (515) 233-6229
  • Washington Beef, Inc.
    Washington Beef, Inc., 201 Elmwood Rd., P.O. Box 832, Toppenish, WA 98948
    Phone: (509) 865-2121
    The company produces portion control, patties, corned beef, marinated items, pork chops, lamb chops and some chicken items. Specialty items are available for export, including crown cut tongues, peeled skirts, sliced oxtails, sliced short ribs, sliced feet, sliced back ribs. This establishment is EU approved for offals and muscle meats.


Further Considerations about Global Market Participation
The U.S. Small Business Administration advises that making the decision to export requires careful assessment of the advantages and disadvantages of expanding into new markets. Once the decision, an international business plan is essential.

Exporting can help your business:

  • enhance domestic competitiveness
  • increase sales and profits
  • gain global market share
  • reduce dependence on existing markets
  • exploit corporate technology and know-how
  • extend the sales potential of existing products
  • stabilize seasonal market fluctuations
  • enhance potential for corporate expansion
  • sell excess production capacity
  • gain information about foreign competition

In comparison, there are certain disadvantages to exporting. Your business may be required to:

  • develop new promotional material
  • subordinate short-term profits to long-term gains
  • incur added administrative costs
  • allocate personnel for travel
  • wait longer for payments
  • modify your product or packaging
  • apply for additional financing
  • obtain special export licenses

These disadvantages may justify a decision to forego exporting at the present time. For example, if your company’s financial situation is weak, attempting to sell into foreign markets may be ill-timed. On the other hand, some companies have been successful selling abroad even before they have made any sales domestically.

When looking to market products or service, one key consideration is whether you will expand the market or simply compete to replace someone who is already there. A chief goal of any marketing plan should be to find your own space in the market. That is the true niche approach. Also, when thinking of expanding your markets through exporting, do not overlook those products that are presently being imported into the U.S. It is very possible that you might be able to produce and/or process a product that can readily replace items presently being imported into the domestic marketplace.

The foreign market sector is filled with unique problems for the marketer. Language and currency are issues with which you must deal. Unpredictability generated by political whims can be a negative, as can volatility due to varied monetary and fiscal policies in other countries. In some cases, tariffs must be overcome. Questions of who controls offloading, warehousing and transportation will need to be answered. Extended shipping times and varied climatic conditions highlight the issues around shelf life and packaging materials. The needs of foreign customers may be very different.

Good markets for different products and specialty processing are factors on the plus side. Other cultures enjoy different tastes. Sensitivity to genetically modified (GMO) products may translate into an opportunity to supply non-GM, organic or natural food items. Another example is variety meats, which are well accepted in many foreign countries but not the U.S. When seeking value added, don’t overlook the minor items and simply capitulate those opportunities to someone else.

There are emerging markets close to home that may represent less challenging logistics for the niche marketer. The Mexican market is an example of a substantial market for beef that is showing a positive trend. The cruise ship industry has grown tremendously and offers a high-end market of its own to those who can offer something special in product or service.

Relationships are key to all marketing. In the foreign arena this is doubly true. Work with people who know the territory and can help you interpret the culture and language. You will need a credible interface to quickly build trust. And you will need to be highly responsive to the customer. As in all markets today, you have the equivalent of one shot at the deal and that situation renews itself every day.

Keep in mind several key points.

  • Foreign markets automatically demand a different product mix than domestic markets. That offers great opportunity for market diversity.
  • Probability is high that foreign economies will run on cycles that don’t match those in the U.S., which is an advantage if you have some presence in both arenas.
  • Currency values can offer opportunity or a hurdle.
  • Politics are a wild card.
  • We are in a global economy so the businesses increasingly expect to do business across borders.
  • Digital technology can make this market possible for the smaller player.

Export Assistance Providers
Many governmental agencies and nonprofit groups have expanded information services and human resources to help in foreign markets. There are also programs that bring money to your efforts. Some of the organizations that can assist you are discussed here.

Iowa Department of Economic Development (IDED)
International Marketing Division Meat and Livestock Promotion Program
IDED’s International Marketing Division in conjunction with the state’s commodity groups, the U.S. Meat Export Federation and other contractors can provide services to Iowa companies interested in exporting meat and livestock products.

Specific services offered to meat processors and others are:

  • trade show information and coordination
  • in-store promotions during missions
  • research into new markets
  • match-maker appointments in various countries where missions are scheduled
  • sponsored receptions in various countries
  • trade shows and/or missions
  • host buying missions

Buying Missions
Buyers from countries such as Japan, Korea, Mexico and China are brought to Iowa to meet with processors. IDED helps these buyers with their expenses and provides transportation while they are in the state. Iowa companies are contacted to determine their interest, and appointments are scheduled to help them access the buyers in the visiting delegations.

For more information about this program, contact:
Mark Fischer, Marketing Manager
Iowa Department of Economic Development, International Marketing Division
Phone: (515) 242-4760
FAX: (515) 242-4918
E-mail: mark.fischer@ided.state.ia.us

Export Trade Assistance Program (ETAP)
Participation in international trade shows and trade missions is one of the most effective ways to enter into new international markets or expand visibility in existing markets. Trade shows offer the opportunity to meet potential buyers, test market interest and evaluate the competition. A trade mission can be a very efficient and cost effective means to meet potential distributors and buyers. Licensing agreements and joint ventures have also resulted from trade missions.

The State of Iowa offers financial assistance to Iowa companies who wish to take advantage of international trade shows and trade missions to enter new markets. Through ETAP, the International Marketing Division of the Iowa Department of Economic Development will reimburse a sizable portion of a company’s eligible direct expenses per pre-approved event. Eligible expenditures may include:

  • booth space rental
  • booth construction at show site
  • booth equipment and/or furniture rental
  • booth utility costs
  • freight costs of equipment and/or exhibit materials to and from show
  • interpreter fees at show site
  • participation fees for trade missions sponsored by the Iowa Department of Economic Development, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, the U.S. Department of Commerce or the U.S. Department of Agriculture
  • per diem (meals & lodging) for one employee for the duration of the event (rates calculated at 50 percent of the U.S. Department of State Standardized Regulations)

To be eligible to participate in ETAP, applicants must:

  • Employ fewer than 500 individuals.
  • Have at least 75 percent of employees employed within Iowa.
  • Exhibit products, services or samples of Iowa manufactured, processed or value added products or agricultural commodities in conjunction with a foreign trade show or trade mission.
  • Have at least one full-time employee or sales agent participate in the event.

Utilization of the ETAP funds are limited by the following:

  • three events per state fiscal year
  • participation in the same trade show not allowed in consecutive years
  • participation in the same trade show a maximum of two times
  • one trade show in a specific country per state fiscal year

For more information, contact:

Iowa Department of Economic Development, International Marketing Division
Iowa Department of Economic Development, International Marketing Division, 200 East Grand Ave., Des Moines, IA 50309 Phone: (515) 242-4760 FAX: (515) 242-4918
E-mail: mark.fischer@ided.state.ia.us
Web site: http://www.state.ia.us/international


Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship

Patty Judge, Secretary of Agriculture (IDALS)
Patty Judge, Secretary of Agriculture (IDALS), Henry A. Wallace Building, Des Moines, IA 50319
Phone: (515) 281-5321
“Our challenge is to provide security through increased profitability for Iowa’s agricultural industry. We can do this by breaking down artificial barriers to trade, which will allow for fair access. If we are to keep family farmers in Iowa raising corn, beans, hogs and cattle, we must lower these existing barriers and expand our markets, which can only be done on a global level.”
Secretary Judge

Meat Export Research Center (MERC), Iowa State University
MERC was developed in 1984 to support the expansion of exports of U.S. meat and meat products and aid in the development of a stronger agricultural economy. As part of the Utilization Center for Agricultural Products, MERC is a multi-disciplinary center encompassing researchers in meat science, economics,sociology, microbiology, marketing, food science, transportation and logistics, and political science.

Research is conducted in the following areas:

  • market identification and assessment
  • product evaluation and product and process development
  • demographics and cultural preferences
  • trade barriers and public policy assessment


Newsletter
Information and technology developed in the center is transferred to meat processors, producers and exporters. A monthly newsletter, U.S. Meat Export Analysis and Trade News, is published in cooperation with the USDA/Agricultural Marketing Service, Livestock and Grain Market News, Des Moines, IA, and the U.S. Meat Export Federation, Denver, CO, providing timely price and trade information.

Short Courses
Conferences, seminars and workshops are held to address specific export issues. Consultations with individual companies address specific product issues. A variety of short courses designed to provide the latest information in processing technology are offered to commercial meat processors throughout the year.

Meat Laboratory
This state-of-the-art meat laboratory supports technology and product development. The lab has full processing capabilities starting with slaughter for poultry and red meats. Further processed meats, such as franks, luncheon meat and fermented products, also can be made. The lab is available to private companies for product and process development.

To request services, contact:

Randy Petersohn
Randy Petersohn, 194B Meat Laboratory, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011-3150
Phone: (515) 294-5321
FAX: (515) 294-6328
E-mail: randall@iastate.edu

Market Studies
New and expanding international markets for U.S. meat and meat products are evaluated. Researchers study and develop models of the livestock and meat industries of selected international markets. Models developed in these studies 1) determine relationships of price, demand and supply and 2) show possible changes in these relationships due to alternative public policies. Included in these studies are cultural characteristics that affect current and future demand as well as consumption of meat and meat products, descriptions of marketing systems, distribution, transportation, demographics and political profiles affecting public policies.

Product and Process Development
Every international market has unique requirements and specifications for meat products. Identification of market needs leads to development of products that are potentially successful in specific markets. Researchers, using the extensive pilot plant facilities in the ISU Meat Lab and often in cooperation with meat product manufacturers, develop formulations and processes suited to products designed for specific international markets.

Value Added Utilization
MERC researchers strive to add value to beef and pork primal cuts by working with industry creating new or novel further processed products that fit foreign consumers’ tastes. Further processed meat products not only enhance the carcass value of the livestock by taking the product out of the commodity mode, but add to economic development as well.

Meat Safety and Meat Quality
The safety and quality of U.S. meats are critical determinants of U.S. export volumes. MERC researchers examine ways to reduce or eliminate pathogenic contamination, extend shelf life (Linear Accelerator Facility), find objective measures of quality and convey to foreign officials and foreign buyers the knowledge that U.S. meat is safe and wholesome.

Information and Technology Transfer
After gathering international market information and product technology, knowledge is transferred to processors, producers and exporters. MERC produces a newsletter, U.S. Meat Export Analysis and Trade News, and holds seminars, workshops and conferences to disseminate this information. The conferences and seminars provide a forum in which key people with expertise in international meat and meat product trade share information that will lead to expansion of meat and meat product exports.

For additional information, contact:

Sev Johnson
Sev Johnson, Meat Export Research Center
Phone: (515) 294-8899
FAX: (515) 296-6272
E-mail: sevjohns@iastate.edu
www.ag.iastate.edu/centers/merc/

Meat Export Federation
The U.S. Meat Export Federation (MEF) is a nonprofit trade organization formed to identify and develop markets in foreign countries. MEF has become a central clearinghouse of vital information for groups or companies seeking markets or looking to expand their presence into foreign markets.

MEF is unique in its private sector funding and governance. It cooperates with allied industry in its efforts and not strictly in production. There are offices in 13 foreign countries and representatives around the world. Cooperative projects in various countries are frequent and professional.

Information is available in a two tiered structure. Members have access to the full range of information but visitors can glean a great deal. Best access is through the Web site. Much of the information is generated or analyzed in-house by MEF staff. There are links to other industry and trade related Web sites. MEF also has offices in Tokyo, Osaka, Mexico City, Shanghai, Seoul, Moscow and Beirut.

U.S. Meat Export Federation
U.S. Meat Export Federation, 1050 17th St., Suite 2200, Denver, CO 80265
Phone: (303) 623-6328
FAX: (303) 623-0297
www.usmef.org/

Foreign Ag Service (FAS)/USDA
FAS is an agency of USDA that holds as its mission to assist any and all qualified exporter candidates. FAS is a comprehensive service provider that offers data and analysis as well as specific programs for hands-on assistance to the exporting company.

Some examples include:
The Facility Guarantee Program, which is designed to guarantee payments and improve exporter facilities in the target country. The program is aimed at reducing the physical constraints to trade in emerging markets or developing countries, such as unloading,
warehousing, distribution, etc.
The Market Access Program (MAP) also uses Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) money to help U.S. producers and exporters finance promotional activity in foreign countries. This program is not only for market development. It includes market research, technical assistance and service after the sale.
The Supplier Credit Guarantee Program (SCGP), CCC guarantees a portion of payments due from importers under short-term financing (up to 180 days) that exporters have extended directly to the importers for the purchase of U.S. agricultural commodities and products. These direct credits must be secured by promissory notes signed by the importers.

Two programs underwrite credit extended by the private banking sector in the United States (or, less commonly, by the U.S. exporter) to approved foreign banks using dollardenominated,
irrevocable letters of credit to pay for food and agricultural products sold to foreign buyers. The Export Credit Guarantee Program (GSM-102) covers credit terms up to three years. The Intermediate Export Credit Guarantee Program (GSM-103) covers longer credit terms up to 10 years.

FAS is an important stop for any company wishing to begin exporting. It has an extensive Web site at www.fas.usda.gov/. Additionally, the Midwest has a local outreach office. Scott Bleggi can provide detailed information about the programs available through FAS.

Scott Bleggi, Director
Scott Bleggi, Director, FAS Outreach Office, 10500 Buena Vista Ct., Des Moines, IA
50322-3782
E-mail: bleggi@fas.usda.gov or scott.bleggi@bbs.fsa.usda.gov

Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)/ USDA
Although APHIS is thought of in the context of quarantine and inspection of imports, APHIS Veterinary Service is available to work with exporters. The International Regulation Retrieval System in Fort Collins, CO, can be of great help. It lists animal health requirements of the other countries. Veterinary Service will work with an exporting company to meet the foreign country’s requirements and issue certificates. For permit applications and information about import/export requirements and user fees for animals, birds and animal products, contact:

USDA-APHIS-VS
USDA-APHIS-VS, National Center for Import/Export, 4700 River Rd., Unit 40,
Riverdale, MD 20737-1231
Phone: (301) 734-3294
FAX: (301) 734-6402
www.aphis.usda.gov/

Small Business Administration
The SBA provides a variety of resources for small businesses looking to expand their business through exporting. Two excellent resources, Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) and Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE), are conveniently located in most U.S. cities. These experienced SBDC and SCORE counselors provide free and practical advice and assistance to hundreds of companies like yours each month.

Iowa Small Business Development Centers (SBDC)

  • Iowa State University Small Business Development Center
  • Iowa State University Small Business Development Center, 137 Lynn Ave., Ames, IA 50010
    Phone: (515) 292-6351
    FAX: (515) 292-0020
  • Northeast Iowa Small Business Development Center
    Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce
    Northeast Iowa Small Business Development Center, Dubuque Area Chamber of
    Commerce, 770 Town Clock Plaza, Dubuque, IA 52001
    Phone: (319) 588-3350
    FAX: (319) 557-1591
  • Eastern Iowa Small Business Development Center
    Eastern Iowa Small Business Development Center, 304 West Second Ave.,
    Davenport, IA 52801
    Phone: (319) 322-4499
    FAX: (319) 322-3956

Iowa Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE)
There are many local SCORE chapters throughout Iowa, to find the one nearest you, access http://www.score.org/ or contact:

U.S. Small Business Administration
U.S. Small Business Administration, Des Moines District Office 210 Walnut Street - Room 749, Des Moines, IA 50309
Phone: (515) 284-4422

U.S. Small Business Administration
U.S. Small Business Administration, Cedar Rapids District Office
215 4th Avenue SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401
Phone: (319) 362-6405 \FAX: (319) 362-7861

Another excellent resource provided by the SBA is the SBA Guide to Exporting, which can be accessed at: http://www.sba.gov/OIT/txt/info/Guide-To-Exporting/.

National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA)
NCBA works to achieve this vision: “A dynamic and profitable beef industry, which concentrates resources around a unified plan, consistently meets global consumer needs and increases demand.” It works to advance the economic, political and social interests of the U.S. cattle business and to be an advocate for the cattle industry’s policy positions and economic interests.

As family farmers and ranchers, cattlemen share an interest in meeting the needs of consumers worldwide by providing high-quality, nutritious beef, while setting higher quality and safety standards than those required by the government.

For further information, access http://www.beef.org/ or contact:

Denver

National Cattlemen’s Beef Association
National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, 5420 South Quebec St., Greenwood Village,
CO 80111
Phone: (303) 694-0305
FAX: (303) 694-2851

Washington, D.C.

National Cattlemen’s Beef Association
National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, 1301 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Suite 300, Washington, D.C. 20004
Phone: (202) 347-0228
FAX: (202) 638-0607

Iowa Cattlemen’s Association

Iowa Cattlemen’s Association
Iowa Cattlemen’s Association, P.O. Box 1490, 2055 Ironwood Ct., Ames, IA 50014
Phone: (515) 296-2266; toll free (800) 888-1730
FAX: (515) 296-2261
www.iacattlemen.org/index.htm

Other Resources
This select subject directory contains a quick reference to frequently asked marketing and trade assistance resources on agribusiness, exports, imports and related topics.

  • Additives, Food and Color - Foreign Regulations
  • Additives, Food and Color - Foreign Regulations, Office of Food Safety and Technical
    Service, FAS, USDA
    Phone: (202) 720-2239
  • AgExport Connections
    AgExport Connections, AgExport Services Division, FAS, USDA
    Phone: (202) 720-7409
    FAX: (202) 690-4374
  • Agribusiness Development Program
    Agribusiness Development Program, Food Industries Division, International
    Cooperation and Development, FAS, USDA
    Phone: (202) 690-1339
  • Agribusiness-Information
    Agribusiness-Information, Food Industries Division, International Cooperation and
    Development, FAS, USDA
    Phone: (202) 690-2981
    FAX: (202) 690-3982
  • Buyer Alert Program
    Buyer Alert Program, AgExport Services Division, FAS, USDA
    Phone: (202) 690-3421
    FAX: (202) 690-4374
  • Calendar of Food, Beverage, Trade Shows,International/FAS Sponsored
    Calendar of Food, Beverage, Trade Shows,International/FAS Sponsored, AgExport
    Services Division, FAS, USDA
    Phone: (202) 690-1182
    FAX: (202) 690-4374
  • Commodity Credit Corporation - CCC, Direct Export Sales
    Commodity Credit Corporation - CCC, Direct Export Sales, Commodity Credit
    Corporation Operation Division, FAS, USDA
    Phone: (202) 720-5540
    FAX: (202) 720-0938
  • Cooperator Programs
    Cooperator Programs, Marketing Operations Staff, FAS, USDA
    Phone: (202) 720-5521
    FAX: (202) 720-9361
  • Credit Guarantees
    Credit Guarantees, Program Development Division, FAS, USDA
    Phone: (202) 720-4216
  • Credit Guarantees, Types GSM-102 & GSM-103
    Credit Guarantees, Types GSM-102 & GSM-103, Commodity Credit Corporation
    Operation Division, FAS, USDA
    Phone: (202) 720-3324
  • Dairy, Livestock and Poultry Division - Marketing/Trade Information
    • Dairy, Livestock and Poultry Division - Marketing/Trade Information, FAS, USDA;
      Phone: (202) 720-8031
      FAX: (202) 720-0617
      Market Promotion Programs
      Phone: (202) 720-2461
      Dairy Export Incentive Program & Export Enhancement Program
      Phone: (202) 720-8870
  • Emerging Markets Office
    Emerging Markets Office, FAS, USDA
    Phone: (202) 720-0368
  • Export Enhancement Program (EEP)
    Export Enhancement Program (EEP), Commodity Credit Corporation Operation
    Division, USDA
    Phone: (202) 720-3241; (202) 720-5540
  • Exporters - U.S. Supplier List
    Exporters - U.S. Supplier List, AgExport Services Division, FAS, USDA
    Phone: (202) 690-3421
  • Exports Certification/Regulation
    Exports Certification/Regulation
    • Food and Cosmetics, U.S. Food & Drug Administration, USFDA
      Phone: (202) 205-4573
    • Animals
      Phone: (301) 734-327
  • Food Consumption, Prices & Expenditures
    Food Consumption, Prices & Expenditures, Economic Research Service, USDA;
    Phone: (202) 694-5449
  • Food Manufacturing Industry & Competition
    Food Manufacturing Industry & Competition, Economic Research Service, USDA
    Phone: (202) 694-5376
  • Food Safety
    • Food Safety, U.S. Food and Drug Administration
      Phone: (202) 205-4726
    • Food Safety Hotline, Food Safety Inspection Service, USDA
      Phone: (202) 720-3333; (800) 535-4555
  • Foreign Buyer/Importer Lists
    Foreign Buyer/Importer Lists, AgExport Services Division, FAS, USDA
    Phone: (202) 690-3416; FAX: (202) 690-4374
  • Foreign Trade Data Service
    Foreign Trade Data Service, U.S. Bureau of the Census, Economics and Statistics
    Administration, USDOC
    Phone: (301) 457-3041; (301) 457-2227
  • Frozen Foods
    • Frozen Foods, Commodity and Marketing Division, FAS, USDA
      Phone: (202) 720-1034
    • Industry Desk, USDOC
      Phone: (202) 482-3346
  • Harmonized Tariff Schedule - Classification
    Harmonized Tariff Schedule - Classification, Multilateral Trade Negotiations Division,
    FAS, USDA
    Phone: (202) 720-6064
    FAX: (202) 720-1139
  • Harmonized Tariff Schedule - Updating
    Harmonized Tariff Schedule - Updating, U.S. International Trade Commission
    Phone: (202) 205-2602
  • Health and Sanitary Foreign Regulations
    Health and Sanitary Foreign Regulations, Office of Food Safety and Technical
    Service, FAS, USDA
    Phone: (202) 720-2239
  • Imports
    • Animal Health Protection, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA
      Phone: (301) 734-8170
    • Central America, Food Industries Division, International Cooperation and
      Development, FAS, USDA
      Phone: (202) 690-2981
      FAX: (202) 690-3982
    • Food Safety Inspection of Imports, U.S. Food and Drug Administration
      Phone: (202) 205-4726
    • Hides and Skins Imports, Dairy, Livestock and Poultry Division, FAS, USDA
      Phone: (202) 720-7285; (202) 720-3690
      FAX: (202) 720-0617
    • Laws-U.S., Import Policies and Programs Division, FAS, USDA
      Phone: (202) 720-1330
    • Livestock Import Regulations, Animal and Plant Health Inspection
      Service, USDA
      Phone: (301) 734-8170
    • U.S. Customs Service Imports, U.S. Customs Service, U.S. Department
      of the Treasury
      Phone: (202) 927-6724
      FAX: (202) 927-1393
  • Labeling - Foreign Requirements
    Labeling - Foreign Requirements, Office of Food Safety and Technical Services, FAS,
    USDA
    Phone: (202) 720-9408.
  • Labeling - U.S. Meat and Poultry
    Labeling - U.S. Meat and Poultry, Food Safety Inspection Service, USDA
    Phone: (202) 418-8900.
  • Market News
    • Market News, Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA. Dairy Phone: (202) 720-7461
      FAX: (202) 720-4844
    • Livestock and Grain
      Phone: (202) 720-6231
      FAX: (202) 690-3732      .
  • NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement)
    NAFTA, (North American Free Trade Agreement), Asia, Africa and Eastern Europe
    Division, FAS, USDA
    Phone: (202) 720-1325; (202) 720-9469
  • Snack Foods
    Snack Foods, Commodity and Marketing Programs, FAS, USDA
    Phone: (202) 720-1034
  • Tariff-Rate Quotas
    • Beef, Dairy, Livestock and Poultry Division, FAS, USDA
      Phone: (202) 720-6553
      FAX: (202) 720-0617
    • Dairy, Import Policies and Programs Division, FAS, USDA
      Phone: (202) 720-9439
      FAX: (202) 720-6556
  • Transportation
    Transportation, Shippers and Exporter Assistance, Agricultural Marketing Service,
    USDA
    Phone: (202) 690-1304
    FAX: (202) 690-1340


Chambers of Commerce
Complete listings of worldwide chambers of commerce can be accessed on the following Internet sites:

International Chamber of Commerce (ICC)
www.iccwbo.org/

World Chambers of Commerce
www.ceemail.com/chambers.html

World Trade Centers Association
www.iserve.wtca.org/

Trade Associations and Organizations
Regional Export Assistance Centers/Regional State Trade
Organizations

  • AgExport Outreach Offices
  • AgExport Outreach Offices, Foreign Agricultural Service, USDA, Iowa. USDA/Farm
    Service Agency, 10500 Buena Vista Ct., Des Moines, IA 50322-3782
    Phone: (515) 254-1540, ext.653
    FAX: (515) 254-1573
  • Export Assistance Centers
    Export Assistance Centers, U.S. Department of Commerce, Midwestern Region.
    Regional Director, 8182 Maryland Ave., #1011, St. Louis, MO 63105
    Phone: (314) 425-3300
    FAX: (314) 425-3375
  • State Regional Agricultural Marketing and Trade Organizations
    State Regional Agricultural Marketing and Trade Organizations, Mid-America
    International Agri-Trade Council (MIATCO), 400 West Erie St., Suite 100, Chicago, IL
    60610
    Phone: (312) 944-3030
    FAX: (312) 944-1144
    www.miatco.org

Internet Sites
U.S. Department Of Agriculture (USDA)


Other Useful Internet Sites

Lists of Selected Agriculture and Trade Related Web Sites

Reports/Special Reference Briefs
Commodity/Trade Reports
Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS), U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The publications listed below present information on U.S. and world production, supply and demand; summary of current trade statistics; the latest trade policy and marketing developments; and trade for many different commodities. The Commodity Trade Reports are available via subscription from: National Technical Information Service, U.S. Department of Commerce, Springfield, VA 22161. Phone: (703) 487-4630.

  • Agricultural Trade Highlights. Monthly ($65 domestic; $110 foreign). Provides an overview of U.S. agricultural exports, specialized coverage of trade topics. Each issue contains a summary of current trade statistics and the latest trade policy and marketing development, along with in-depth analyses of country markets and specific consumer food product exports.
  • Dairy, Livestock and Poultry: U.S. Trade Prospects. Monthly ($98 domestic; $214 foreign). Contains U.S. trade information and analyses of the trade of dairy, livestock and poultry products.
  • Livestock and Poultry: World Markets and Trade. Semi-annual ($21 domestic; $42 foreign). Contains information on U.S. and world production, use and trade of livestock and poultry products, trade policy developments and export market information.
  • Monthly Summary of Export Credit Guarantee Program Activity. Monthly ($70 domestic; $120 foreign). Shows fiscal year commitment figures for the Commodity Credit Corporation’s Export Credit Guarantee Program (GSM-102) and Intermediate Credit Guarantee Program (GSM-103) activities.
  • U.S. Export Sales. Weekly, based on reports submitted by private exporters ($175 domestic; $320 foreign). Outstanding exports sales as reported and compiled with other data give a snapshot view of the current contracting scene. All countries with outstanding sales or accumulated exports are included for each class of wheat, all wheat, wheat products, corn, soybeans, soybean cake and meal, American prima cotton, all upland cotton, and cattle hides.
  • World Agricultural Production. Monthly ($95 domestic; $160 foreign). Provides information on U.S. and world production of major agricultural products, including crop, livestock and forestry estimates, weather and production briefs, and special articles of interest to the trade.

Publications listed below are published by the Economic Research Service (ERS), U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and are available via subscription from: ERS-NASS, 341 Victory Dr., Herndon, VA 22070. Phone: (800) 999-6779 (Canada and U.S.); other areas (703) 834-0125; FAX: (703) 834-0110.

  • Food Aid Needs and Availabilities: Projections for 2005. Research report, October 1995 ($12). Stock # GFA-6. Examines the long-term prospects for global food aid needs and for food aid availabilities from donor countries.
  • The Food Marketing System in 1996. Gallo, Tony E.; research report, August 1997 ($7.50). Stock # AIB-717. Analyzes and assesses yearly developments in the nation’s food marketing system, including industry growth, structure, conduct and performance of food processors, wholesalers, retailers and foodservice firms.
  • Global Review of Agricultural Policies: Western Hemisphere. September 1994 ($12). Stock # SB-892. Describes policies that affect the agricultural sector in 25 countries in the Western Hemisphere, including policies that affect commodity and input prices, activities of government-owned companies and integration of economies in the Western Hemisphere.
  • Industrial Uses of Agricultural Materials. Annual, issued in October ($15). Stock #IUS-1996. Examines how agricultural materials are used by industry. Covers agricultural materials in seven categories: starches and carbohydrates, fats and oils, fibers, animal products, forest products, natural plant products, and natural rubber and resins.

International Agricultural and Trade Reports
Five-report series includes: China, Europe, Newly Independent States and the Baltics, Apec and NAFTA. Five issues ($26 domestic; $32.50 foreign; single copies are $9 domestic; $11.25 foreign). Each report explains how basic forces are changing agriculture and agricultural trade. Also includes short- and long-term production, consumption and trade of the regions key commodities.

Situation and Outlook Report
Outlook for U.S. Agricultural Exports. Three issues ($17). Stock # AES. Offers the latest value and volume of U.S. farm exports, by commodity and region, as well as agricultural trade balance, import commodities and export outlook.