U.S. Exports of Animal Agricultural Commodities Face Many Similar Threats and Opportunities

Highlights: * U.S. animal product exports face both headwinds and tailwinds in a number of ways, including livestock and poultry diseases that often lead to trade restrictions. * Tariff and nontariff trade barriers can form obstacles to the export of U.S. animal commodities. * Trade agreements can facilitate competition by opening access to markets for U.S. animal product exports, but they also can benefit U.S. competitors. * Emerging economies, such as those of Southeast Asia, represent new opportunities for increased U.S. animal product exports. In April, USDA, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS (https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/avian/avian-influenza/hpaidetections/livestock)) announced the start of mandatory testing of dairy cows to take place before they are moved between States. ASF also affected major pork exporters such as Germany, where the discovery of the disease in wild and domesticated hogs in 2020 cost that country its nearly 15 percent share of China's pork import market. Trade agreements have become essential in creating or preserving market access. [...]they help establish long-term expectations for trade prospects with specific trading partners or coalitions.