Emerging Economies, Emerging Exports

Implications: In June, nearly half of the 17 million pound increase in US butter exports was to countries that we did not ship any butter to in June of 2007. With different international economies growing so is their consumption of commodities. 

Analysis: US agricultural exports for the most part have grown considerably in recent years.  The deflated US dollar has opened some doors and the world so far is greeting us with a friendly; “more please.”  In June, nearly half of the 17 million pound increase in US butter exports was to countries that we did not ship any butter to in June of 2007.  With different international economies growing so is their consumption of commodities.  In the news recently, the US and Russia agreed to a 20% decline in the Russian import quota for US chicken in 2009.  Basically, Russia wants to be less dependent on US chicken for a protein source.  So they are trying to increase domestic production.  Sound familiar?  The question is:  Can Russia and other emerging economies including China increase domestic production enough to offset an increase in consumption as their economies grow?  The data thus far suggests they haven’t been able to do so with the China, India and Russia total beef, pork and chicken production deficit growing by 58% during the past 4 years.  Given the current difficult operating environment (due to higher input costs) for protein producers worldwide, this could be a trend that persists in the coming years which may be very bullish for US dairy and protein exports.