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Abstract
Because exports are an important and growing market for farm products, we need ways to determine their effect on the U.S. economy. This bulletin discusses ways the economists of the U.S. Department of Agriculture measure the overall effects of agricultural exports. In a highly interrelated economy like that of the United States, many more people benefit from agricultural exports than just farmers and exporters and their employees. Firms that provide materials and services used by farmers and others for producing the export goods also find their businesses growing. Businesses selling consumer goods find their customers spend more income when trade expands. And governments find the higher level of economic activity raises tax revenue, allowing governments to expand services, reduce taxes, or reduce deficits.