The United States could soon lose its position as the world’s largest agricultural exporter. A Financial Times report says U.S. agricultural exports totaled $171 billion in 2025, only $2 billion more than Brazil. Brazil exported a record $87 billion in agricultural products during the first half of 2026, driven by strong soybean, beef, poultry and cotton sales. Analysts say China’s shift away from U.S. commodities following the 2018 trade dispute accelerated Brazil’s growth. Despite Brazil’s gains, analysts say U.S. farmers remain highly productive but continue to face pressure from low commodity prices, trade uncertainty and tight margins.
