US Agricultural Trade Deficit Shrinks by Nearly Half

The U.S. agricultural trade deficit narrowed significantly in the first half of 2026 due to increased exports and decreased imports, according to Census Bureau data.

Exports reached $91.8 billion, while imports totaled $104.9 billion, resulting in a deficit of about $13 billion, down from roughly $28.6 billion during the same period last year.

The increase in exports was driven by grains, oilseeds, animal feed, and dairy products, with cereal exports reaching $17.1 billion, oilseed sales totaling $10.9 billion, and dairy and egg exports climbing to nearly $4.4 billion.