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Export forecasts developed by Michigan Department of Agriculture

Recently released export analysis reports from the Michigan Department of Agriculture help identify emerging market opportunities for key segments of the state’s food and agriculture industry.

Jamie Zmitko-Somers is with the international marketing program, “Egypt, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, South Korea—are some of the markets that have some opportunities going forward certainly as their middle classes are growing and their desire for more western style foods and foods from the U.S. continues to increase.”  She says China also topped the list in market opportunity for many of the commodity segments.

The reports analyzed 15 different food and agricultural commodities including sweet and savory foods, alcoholic beverages, dairy products, and several fruits and vegetables.  “Trends change within countries and economic factors can influence those so the goal would be to update these every year or two depending on the industry and how much export opportunity we see for those industries.”

Zmitko-Somers says Michigan’s top export counties currently include Canada, Japan and Mexico.  Grain and dairy rank the highest in value and volume for the state’s exported products.

AUDIO: Interview with Jamie Zmitko-Somers