Macroeconomics and Agribusiness in the United States

The Fourth of July celebration in the United States commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence by the Continental Congress in 1776. Today, US Independence Day is a major yearly federal holiday that is also celebrated by many throughout the world. This occasion is traditionally celebrated with cookouts, barbecues, sporting events, parades, fairs, family gatherings, and fireworks. Furthermore, amongst the most traditional foods consumed during the Fourth of July holiday are hot dogs, hamburgers, corn on the cob, potatoes, beer, lemonade, ice cream, and pies. One of the key images from the history of the United States that is highlighted during this occasion is the country’s tradition of fieldwork and agricultural labor.

Ever since declaring itself an independent country in 1776, the United States has multiplied its territory, mainly by advancing westward. It has become the world’s leading economy; it has created a massive free market both nationally and internationally; and it has developed a robust agricultural industry. Since the time of the thirteen colonies up to today’s fifty states, the United States has been an agricultural powerhouse. First as producers of tobacco and cotton, then sugar cane and cattle, and more recently as producers of soybeans, corn, and cereals throughout the Midwest.

Macroeconomics and Agribusiness in the United States

In terms of agricultural production and trade, during 2016, the United States exported a total of US$22.8 billion worth of soybeans and US$10 billion worth of corn. Likewise, that same year, the United States exported US$43.4 billion worth of foodstuffs, such as soybean meal, animal food, and starch residue. Moreover, in 2016, the United States exported US$28.7 billion worth of paper goods issued from timber and forestry, such as woodpulp, uncoated kraft paper, and toilet paper. Meanwhile, the largest agricultural imports into the United States during 2016 were foodstuffs, such as beer, hard liquor and wine, whose total accounted for US$60.8 billion of all international products coming into the country. Similarly, the second largest agricultural import into the United States that year were fruit and vegetable products, such as coffee, flowers, and bananas, representing US$42.6 billion.

Nowadays, in spite of growing agricultural industries worldwide, the United States remains a global leader within food production, trade, and consumption. Likewise, the country remains a leading force when it comes to fair agricultural trade. For instance, Fair Trade USA is one of the leading certifiers of fair trade products in North America, which certifies that products are grown and cultivated observing minimum standards for the plants, the environment, the soil, and the farmers who manage them. In 2014, Fair Trade USA introduced its Fair Trade Certified label for coconut products given the incredible growth that these goods have seen in North America and the necessity to ensure responsible sourcing when they come from South Asia and Latin America.

(Read more about Pineapple Juice and the Global Fruit Trade)