News

Record ag imports push trade deficit to new levels

The USDA has again raised the agriculture trade deficit for 2025 to a record $49 billion as Americans continue to import more products.

Ag imports are expected to increase by more than $13 billion above last year’s record, up $4 billion from November. Horticultural products make up the largest segment of that import growth, especially fresh fruit.

Northwest Horticultural Council President Mark Powers says his sector is flatlining.

“We’re in a nongrowth mode because our growers are under such duress and financial constraints,” he explains. “We hope that they can continue to have the financial wherewithal to grow their businesses and not just grow, but just basically stay in business.”

He says some systemic issues restrict trade access, but there are areas where the government can better support the industry.

“Market development programs are positive and beneficial collaborative efforts to increase exports, but they can’t remove barriers to trade or provide U.S. growers fair access to markets around the world—only the U.S. government can do that,” he says.

U.S. ag exports are projected to increase by $500 million to $170.5 billion, with increases in grain and feed exports offsetting a reduction in oilseeds.

Powers spoke as part of a panel focused on diversifying trade during the USDA’s Ag Outlook Forum.