USDA says that the gap in the U.S. ag trade deficit will shrink next year.
The department’s latest trade forecast shows that the U.S. ag trade deficit will drop to $37 billion next year, which is lower than their previous estimates and down from nearly $44 billion this year. Last year, the U.S. ag trade deficit was $32 billion, and $17 billion in 2023.
USDA’s research arm shows the latest adjustment comes as exports are coming in hotter than expected. It is preparing for $173 billion in ag exports next year, adjusted up from their $169 billion estimate during the summer.
Exports are the lifeblood of many U.S. farming operations, and recent numbers show just how much they impact the overall economy.
USDA numbers show that in 2023, all U.S. ag exports generated $362 billion in economic output. Non-bulk exports reached $101 billion, generating an additional $120 billion.
For each dollar of exported ag products, USDA says it generated $2.06 in domestic activity.
USDA economists took a look at production costs over the last season.
Corn this year cost just shy of $809 an acre. Next year, they estimate those costs to hit $916. Soybeans cost this year ran $658 per acre, with next year estimates at $678.
Wheat is projected to jump from $395 to $409 an acre.
Reduced winter placements indicate tighter fed cattle supplies and greater leverage during peak-demand months.
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