Using data from USDA Foreign Agricultural Services (FAS), this article summarizes the production and consumption of selected agricultural commodities in ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations). In the face of increased population, differentiated consumer demands, and ASEAN’s consumption compared to production, we highlight opportunities for U.S. agricultural trade expansion in the region.

China remains the top export destination for U.S. cotton, on average. But ASEAN countries—especially Vietnam and Indonesia—have become top destinations for cotton as well. While recent expansion of US exports to the region are important, they are largely driven by yarn exports from ASEAN countries to China.

This article investigates the potential effects of tariff removal on meat trade between the United States and ASEAN. We describe ASEAN meat import sourcing and trade barriers on U.S. exports. Results show that tariff elimination could increase U.S. meat exports to ASEAN by 67% for beef and 100% for other meat.

We consider U.S. timber (logs and lumber) exports and focus on Vietnam given its major import potential. We also highlight the U.S. investigation of Vietnam’s illegal timber trade, which could have restricted U.S. imports of finished wood products from Vietnam, indirectly affecting demand for U.S. timber exports.

This article explores the potential for expanded U.S. soy product exports to Southeast Asia. ASEAN soybean meal import demand has been increasing since the early 2000s and has largely been filled by Argentina and Brazil. However, the U.S. can become a key soy product exporter to ASEAN with increased market access.