The United States has used several export promotion programs since the 1950's to boost agricultural exports. These programs have been designed to increase exports through export expansion activities such as sales credit and market development assistance, or through initiatives that lower export prices, such as export payments. The recent declines in U.S. agricultural exports have led to greater emphasis on these programs. Their success will depend greatly on the accompanying changes in domestic agricultural policies, changes in world market conditions, and competing exporter responses to U.S. agricultural policies.