US Agriculture Turns to Emerging Markets as Traditional Destinations Slow

U.S. agriculture is diversifying its export markets in response to slower growth and trade disruptions in traditional destinations, particularly China. According to a recent analysis by North Dakota State University agricultural economist Shawn Arita, Africa could account for 38% of the increase in total food availability by 2034, followed by India at 30%, South Asia at 10%, and China at 2%. This shift in global demand could create new opportunities for American farmers.

The United States exported approximately $171 billion in agricultural products during 2025, with 56% going to its five largest markets: Mexico, Canada, the European Union, Japan, and South Korea. However, this concentration also makes changes in individual countries a significant risk factor for U.S. farm exports.

Africa, India, and Southeast Asia are emerging as key destinations due to their growing populations, urbanization, rising incomes, and changing diets. These regions could increase demand for corn, wheat, soybeans, dairy products, meat, poultry, feed ingredients, and higher-value U.S. agricultural exports.