Florida Citrus Packers

Florida Representatives Concerned About EU Grapefruit Tariffs

Dan Citrus, Exports/Imports, Grapefruit

Twenty-two members of the Florida congressional delegation, led by Reps. Darren Soto and Bill Posey wrote a letter to Acting U.S. Trade Representative Maria Pagan expressing concerns over retaliatory tariffs placed by the European Union (EU) on U.S. agricultural products. The letter focused on the harm the EU tariffs could do to Florida grapefruit. Here’s the full text of the letter:  “We …

pork

Expanding Retail Presence of U.S. Pork and Beef in Colombia

Dan Beef, Coronavirus, Exports/Imports, Pork

2020 was a difficult year for U.S. red meat exports to Colombia, where COVID-19 took a major toll on meat demand and consumer spending. With demand expected to rebound this year, the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) is looking to expand the retail presence of U.S. pork and beef in Colombia. Joe Schuele has more details. According to USMEF, last year U.S. …

blueberries

Fried on International Trade Commission Vote on Imported Blueberries

Dan Exports/Imports, Florida, Fruits, News from Our Sponsors, Specialty Crops

(FDACS) — The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) ruled that blueberries were not being imported into the United States in such quantities as to harm the domestic blueberry industry nationwide. Earlier this month, Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried testified before the ITC that Mexico’s market share for blueberries had skyrocketed 2,100 percent since 2009, while Florida’s market share decreased 38 percent since 2015, indicating …

U.S. Ethanol Exports Surpass 1.3 Billion Gallons for 2020

Clint Thompson Exports/Imports

Data from the Department of Agriculture shows U.S. ethanol exports for 2020 totaled 1.3 billion gallons, down 9.8% from 2019 and hovering around 2017 levels. However, Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor says, “We’re optimistic to see worldwide ethanol demand continue to provide U.S. producers with market opportunities.” Canada took over as the top export market for U.S. ethanol, with 326.4 …

beef

Pork Exports for 2020 Shatter Previous Records

Dan Exports/Imports, News from Our Sponsors, Pork

New numbers show that U.S. pork exports reached nearly 3 million metric tons last year, topping the 2019 record by 11%. According to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF), pork export value also climbed 11% to a record $7.71 billion. USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom discuss the year-end pork export results in more detail. …

seafood

Deadline for Seafood Trade Relief Program Coming Up

Dan Aquaculture, Economy, Exports/Imports, Industry News Release, USDA-FSA

(USDA/FSA) — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reminds fisherman of the Jan. 15 deadline to apply for the Seafood Trade Relief Program (STRP), which provides support for fishermen impacted by retaliatory tariffs from foreign governments. For more information on the program, including guidance on how to apply, visit farmers.gov/seafood or call 877-508-8364 to speak directly with a USDA employee ready to …

meat production

November Beef Exports Largest in More than a Year

Dan Beef, Cattle, Exports/Imports, Industry News Release, Livestock, Pork

According to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF), U.S. beef exports posted one of the best months on record in November, 2020. Beef exports came in at 115,337 metric tons (mt), with a value of $707.5 million. USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom explains where the strongest markets were for U.S. beef. November was also …