U.S. farm exports were a record $177 billion in calendar 2021, beating the previous mark by $22.5 billion, said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack on Tuesday. It was the second time that the USDA declared 2021 was a record setter. Last November, it said sales were record high in fiscal 2021, which ended on Sept. 30.
Vilsack said record sales, as the world economy recovered from the pandemic, “demonstrate that U.S. agriculture is incredibly resilient.” Six of the 10 largest customers for U.S. farm and food goods, led by China, Mexico and Canada, made record purchases during calendar 2021. “Worldwide exports of many U.S. products, including soybeans, corn, beef, pork, dairy, distillers grains and pet food, also reached all-time highs,” said the USDA.
The USDA has forecast ag exports at $175.5 billion in fiscal 2022, up slightly from last year. USDA agencies typically make export forecasts on a fiscal year basis. The next forecast is scheduled for Feb. 24.