NASHVILLE, TN – The U.S. farm trade deficit reached $19.7 billion from January through April 2025 and is on pace to hit $49.5 billion by year’s end—an all-time high.
Imports of high-value foods like wine, coffee, and tropical produce continue to outpace exports of lower-value goods like grains and oilseeds. A strong U.S. dollar, inconsistent policy, and aggressive foreign trade strategies are all driving the imbalance. Still, there are signs of improvement.
USDA has opened new market access with Thailand, Vietnam, and Brazil. A new trade agreement with the United Kingdom will remove key tariffs on U.S. beef and ethanol. Analysts say early-year stockpiling ahead of April’s tariffs may have inflated import totals, and trade flows could even out later this year.