USDA Trade Mission to Explore Export Opportunities in Middle East, North Africa

Contact: Krissy Young (202) 720-7400

WASHINGTON, March 31, 2017 – During a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) trade mission to Cairo, Egypt, April 2-6, leaders from 23 U.S. agribusinesses and agricultural trade organizations will explore opportunities to increase their food and agricultural exports to the Middle East and North Africa. 

“The mission will be based in Cairo, but participants will also have the opportunity to network with potential customers from Algeria and Jordan who will come to Cairo just for this event,” said Mark Slupek, deputy administrator of the Office of Trade Programs for USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service.

The Middle East/North Africa region offers excellent market potential for U.S. exporters. Last year, Egypt, Algeria and Jordan imported nearly $1.36 billion in food and agricultural products from the United States. Top imports included:

• Egypt: corn, soybeans and beef
• Algeria: corn, wheat and tree nuts (primarily almonds)
• Jordan: rice, wheat and tree nuts (primarily almonds) 

“Often, individuals and companies interested in exporting don’t know where to start or how to enter a particular market,” Slupek said. “Trade missions offer a unique opportunity for them to learn first-hand about local market conditions, to meet one-on-one with potential customers, and to promote high-quality, U.S. produced food and farm products to the world.”  

The delegation traveling to Cairo represents a range of U.S. products, from bulk commodities, lumber and farm equipment, to spices and specialty food ingredients.

Participating U.S. Organizations and Companies:

1. 7 Seas Group USA, Plano, Texas
2. Al Khayrat International USA Inc., Piscataway, N.J.
3. American Commodity & Shipping, Inc., Vienna, Va.
4. American International Agricultural Group, Fairfax, Va.
5. American Kadi Export, LLC, Westlake Village, Calif.
6. Commercial Creamery Co., Spokane, Wash.
7. Commercial Lynks, Inc., Alexandria, Va.
8. Flavor Consultants, Inc., Las Vegas, Nev.
9. Fornazor International, Hillsdale, N.J.
10. Golden Valley Seed, El Centro, Calif.
11. JM Grains, Garrison, N.D.
12. Keese International, LLC, Brady, Texas
13. Living Waters, Inc., Largo, Md.
14. Mayro Trading Company, Decatur, Ga.
15. Nour Trading Corp, Brooklyn, N.Y.
16. Now Health Group/Now International, Bloomingdale, Ill.
17. Pristina Capital Partners, Midland Park, N.J.
18. Reliance Agro, Missouri, Texas
19. Spices USA, Inc., Hialelah, Fla.
20. That Crazy Bee Guy, Springfield, Ohio
21. U.S. Rice Producers Association, Houston, Texas
22. U.S. Soybean Export Council, Chesterfield, Mo.
23. Zafi Beverages & Agriculture Technologies, Inc., Wood Dale, Ill.

USDA trade missions open doors and deliver results for U.S. exporters, giving them the opportunity to gather market intelligence and develop strategies to start or expand their sales in key markets overseas. For more information, visit www.fas.usda.gov/topics/trade-missions. 

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