WASHINGTON: Exports of American grain in the fiscal year of 2016 are at the largest level seen in the last three decades, according to data released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Federal Grain Inspection Service (FGIS) Oct. 7.
“American grain exports in fiscal year 2016 are the largest in 35 years,” U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack said in a statement. “It points to the confidence of our global trading partners in the high quality products raised by U.S. farmers and the integrity of the federal grain inspection system. It also is fitting that the year-end export number arrives on the 40th anniversary of the Federal Grain Inspection Service.”
Over 132 million mt of grains were inspected and weighed in preparation for export by the FGIS, a jump of 5.7% from 2015, when the agency examined 125.3 million mt, according to the USDA. The rise in exports may be partially attributed to poor weather in South America, where yields of grain crops are down, according to a recent report by trade publication Pork Network. Recent articles note that China and Russia are stepping up efforts to export grains internationally to compete with the U.S.
