McKinney to Lead Southern China Trade Mission

U.S. Department of Agriculture Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs, Ted McKinney, will lead a trade mission to southern China May 21-25. A diverse delegation of agribusiness leaders and state government officials will accompany him on the mission as they look to establish new business connections in the region. Southern China is a major import hub and a growing market for U.S. agricultural exports, which already average approximately $8 billion every year. Consumer demand in that part of China is especially high for U.S. products, including consumer-oriented goods like bakery ingredients, fresh fruits, and alcoholic beverages. Demand for products like those is reported to be rising. Trade mission participants will have an opportunity to connect with potential new customers, as well as take part in site visits to learn more about doing business in southern China. USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service staff members already on the ground in China will be vital in setting up meetings between U.S. delegates and representatives of Chinese companies in the region. The delegation will include state ag department officials from Idaho, Nebraska, and Virginia, as well as representatives from 25 different companies.