USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins unveiled an ambitious international travel agenda aimed at reversing the country’s nearly $50 billion agricultural trade deficit. In her first six months as Secretary, Rollins will visit six key international markets as part of a broader USDA effort to expand export opportunities, diversify trade partners, and reinforce commitments from existing ones.
“President Trump has the backs of our farmers and ranchers,” said Rollins. “I’m going abroad to sell the bounty of American agriculture and ensure prosperity for our producers.”
Where she’s headed & why it matters:
- India: Sixth-largest buyer of U.S. agricultural products but currently holding a $1.3B trade surplus over the U.S.
- Brazil: The U.S. faces a significant $7B agricultural trade deficit with Brazil.
- United Kingdom: A top 15 export market where American products face high tariffs and restricted quotas.
- Japan: A crucial buyer of corn, beef, pork, and soy—but U.S. exporters face fierce global competition.
- Vietnam: A top 10 market with no formal trade agreement, unlike China, which enjoys better access.
- Peru: South America’s #3 market for U.S. ag exports, with strong demand for ethanol, dairy, and meats.
Additional USDA-led trade missions: Hong Kong, the Dominican Republic, Taiwan, Côte d’Ivoire, and Mexico are also on the calendar as the Department broadens its trade footprint.
Big Picture: The Rollins-led initiative signals a sharp pivot from the previous administration’s limited engagement on global ag trade. With export diversification now front and center, USDA is staking out a more aggressive role on the international stage to support American farmers and ranchers.