U.S. agricultural exports for October 1985-August 1986 fell 17 percent from values in the same 11 months of fiscal year (FY) 19B5 to $24.4 billion. Imports climbed to $19.3 billion in the II-month period, a 7-percent gain over those of the same period in 1985. The dollar eased against major currencies as U.S. interest rates declined in August. U.S. agricultural exports generate employment, income, and purchasing power in the farm and nonfarm sectors.