[OC] U.S. Beef Trade: Imports, Exports, and Trade Balance (1967–2024)

Data source: USDA Global Agricultural Trade System (GATS).
Visualization: Created in R (tidyverse + patchwork) by Forensic Economic Services LLC (rule703.com).

The top panel shows total U.S. beef imports and exports. The bottom panel displays the net trade balance (exports − imports).

A few highlights:

• Imports dominated through the 1970s and early 1980s.
• U.S. exports surged in the 1990s as global beef demand expanded.
• Trade balance swings since 2000 reflect disease outbreaks, trade agreements, and shifting consumer preferences.
• In recent years, exports have nearly matched imports, signaling growing global competitiveness in U.S. beef production.