Mike Pearson tells listeners about a trade report released by U.S. Trade Ambassador Katherine Tai at the end of March that details the issues that can hinder trade overseas.

It's called the 2024 National Trade Estimate Report on Foreign Trade barriers and it details the rules that impacts exports of the U.S. regarding goods and services, electronic commerce and foreign investment.

Many of these rules are especially tough when it comes to allow agriculture products into the USA.

Ag is an export dependent industry as American farmers are the most production in the world and routinely produce far more food, fuel and fiber than we can consume within our borders.

National Ag Groups recently wrote a letter to Congress requiring more funding for developing international markets saying "Foreign food assistance programs create a foundation to help vulnerable communities to grow and prosper and many food recipient nations are now amongst the most important U.S. trading partners."

And growth of U.S. trade is something Ambassador Tai would like to see. She emphasized that one of the goals of this report is to open markets for American agriculture products by making sure they are afforded fair access. to global markets.

Key points in the report highlight some of the confusing and expensive requirements to register production facilities.

Countries like Indonesia require facility registration for companies looking to ship meat, dairy or rendered products into Indonesia.

While China requires nearly all exporters to be registered which is a burdensome process that requires lots of patience with the bureaucratic process. Sanitary rules were also in the spotlight.

India and Turkey both use complicated procedures for approving ag biotechnology.

And Mexico earned special attention in the report with their rules being kicked around about corn biotechnology imports.

The trade report covered 59 foreign markets with details and an outline of rules that can restrict trade.

Farm Progress America is a daily look at key issues in agriculture. It is produced and presented by Mike Pearson, farm broadcaster and host of This Week in Agribusiness.