Statement from USDA Under Secretary Michael T. Scuse on Upcoming Southeast Asia Trade Mission

WASHINGTON, Nov. 18, 2014 – Today, at the U.S. Agricultural Export Development Council’s annual workshop, U.S. Department of Agriculture Under Secretary Michael T. Scuse gave the keynote address and announced an upcoming trade mission to Malaysia and the Philippines to promote U.S. agricultural exports. 

Under Secretary Michael T. Scuse made the following statement regarding the trade mission:

“USDA is committed to expanding export opportunities for American grown commodities and American made products.  To promote U.S. Agricultural exports, I will lead a trade mission to Southeast Asia, specifically Malaysia and the Philippines, from March 9, 2015, through March 14, 2015.

“I’ve seen the value that trade missions deliver to businesses. They provide an excellent opportunity to learn first-hand about important agricultural markets and give businesses a rare chance to meet with senior government officials of other countries. The information gathered during a trade mission helps businesses develop strategies to expand into growing markets.

“In addition to meeting with buyers from Malaysia and the Philippines, participants will have the opportunity to meet with buyers representing Burma and Thailand who will join the mission in Malaysia.

“Malaysia, the Philippines, Burma, and Thailand boast a total population of 262 million people. As members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), these countries are strong U.S. trading partners. In 2014, the United States exported a combined $5.4 billion of agricultural products to all four countries. Southeast Asia’s income levels and demand for U.S. products continue to grow, providing significant untapped market potential for U.S. agriculture.

“Malaysia is also a participant in the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) negotiations, which, when implemented, will create new opportunities for U.S. agricultural exporters."

To learn more about the Southeast Asia trade mission, please visit this page or contact trademissions@fas.usda.gov. The next planned USDA trade mission will be June 1-5, 2015 to Panama and the Dominican Republic. 

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