The value of Idaho agricultural exports increased 10 percent in 2017, reversing a two-year slide.
According to the Idaho Department of Agriculture, the Gem State exported $827 million worth of farm products to other nations last year, up from $750 million in 2016. The state set records for ag exports from 2011 through 2014 but experienced declines in both 2015 and 2016. Last year’s total is still well below the record of $1 billion set in 2014 and in line with 2015 levels. Analysts say the 2017 increase is a result of improved pricing for most of the state’s major commodities and large crop inventories carried over from the previous year.
A generally weaker U.S. dollar last year was also a major factor in the increase in ag exports.
The rise in Idaho’s farm export value was due largely to a 28 percent increase in the dairy category, which totaled $180 million, due in large part to an increase in volume.
More than $215 million worth of Idaho ag products were sold in Canada in 2017, a 15 percent increase over 2016, making that nation the top destination for Idaho farm products last year.
Mexico remained the No. 2 destination for Idaho ag products, followed by China, South Korea, and Japan. (Capital Press)
