The Trump administration’s efforts to expand agricultural exports and reduce the nation’s agricultural trade deficit are beginning to show measurable results, according to USDA Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Under Secretary Luke Lindberg.
In an interview with Southeast AgNet, Lindberg said the administration inherited a projected $50 billion agricultural trade deficit but has already seen significant improvement.
“We’re forecasting about a 42 percent reduction in that, but what we’ve realized this fiscal year so far is a 61 percent reduction,” Lindberg said, crediting both American farmers and the administration’s trade agenda for the progress.
Lindberg pointed to President Trump’s trade policy as the primary driver, noting that the administration has negotiated nine new trade agreements along with nine additional framework agreements designed to expand market access for U.S. agricultural products.
For producers, he said, stronger export markets translate directly into better opportunities on the farm.
“We sell over 20 percent of our agricultural products overseas,” Lindberg explained. “The more buyers you have that want to buy your product, the more that you can sell and be in demand and sell at a higher price point.”
The conversation also focused on the America 250 celebration and the role agriculture has played throughout the nation’s history. Lindberg said the initiative provides an opportunity to remind consumers that food begins with America’s farmers and ranchers, not grocery store shelves.
He added that the best ambassadors for American agriculture are the producers themselves, saying international buyers increasingly want to meet the people who grow their food and learn about U.S. production practices and food safety standards.
Specialty crops were another major topic of discussion. Lindberg said fruits, vegetables, tree nuts and other horticultural products are experiencing a strong export year, highlighting record tree nut exports to Europe and growing opportunities in markets including India, China and Southeast Asia. He also encouraged specialty crop organizations to participate in USDA’s Technical Assistance for Specialty Crops program, which helps foreign buyers better understand and import U.S. products.
Among emerging markets, Lindberg singled out Vietnam as one of the administration’s biggest success stories. He said exports of cotton, tree nuts, wheat and corn have all reached record levels as the two countries work to strengthen their agricultural trade relationship.
Looking ahead, USDA will lead agribusiness trade missions to Australia, Ghana and Vietnam. Lindberg said Australia presents opportunities for higher-value agricultural products and expanded beef trade, while Ghana serves as a strategic gateway into African markets. Vietnam continues to offer significant growth potential across multiple U.S. commodities.
Lindberg also encouraged small and mid-sized agricultural businesses to consider participating in USDA trade missions, noting that the programs are specifically designed to help companies enter new international markets through business matchmaking and export assistance.
Despite ongoing challenges from non-tariff trade barriers and evolving international regulations, Lindberg said he remains optimistic about the future of U.S. agricultural exports.
“The momentum is heading in our direction,” he said. “The wind is behind our sails. We’re back on the offense.”
Listen to the full interview with USDA Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Under Secretary Luke Lindberg below.