US targets China’s neighbours

In light of the ongoing trade war with China, the US is exploring openings in other Asian markets. As part of this strategy, the US Department of Agriculture sent delegates from fresh produce organisations to Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam) from 15 to 18 October to meet counterparts from Vietnam, Thailand and Myanmar. Delegates include representative of the Almond Board of California, California Blueberry Commission, Oregon Berry Packing and Coconut King Miami Beach.

Ted McKinney, under-secretary for trade and foreign agricultural affairs, said, “The size of this trade mission delegation speaks to the phenomenal potential that exists for US exporters in Vietnam and surrounding countries. Since the United States normalised relations with Vietnam in 1995, our agricultural exports have grown exponentially, reaching a record US$4bn last year. Sales of US food and farm products to Thailand and Myanmar also set records in 2018, topping US$2.1bn and US$126m, respectively.”