USDA Trade Initiative Supports Southern Pine Export Expansion

Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins and Undersecretary of Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Luke Lindberg have launched a new initiative to support US agricultural producers and exporters, according to the Southern Forest Products Association (SFPA).

The USDA’s three-point plan aims to increase exports, advance rural prosperity, and reduce the trade deficit in line with its trade and foreign affairs agenda. The plan includes:

• Launching the America First Trade Promotion Program: With $285 million authorized annually for trade promotion programs beginning in fiscal year 2027, the USDA will start the program one year early with $285 million in FY 2026 (October 1, 2025–September 30, 2026). The program will fund the continuation of market development activities to expand exports, address trade barriers, and promote US agricultural products abroad.
• Expanding trade missions focused on reciprocity: The USDA will supplement current trade missions with a new mission model centered on reciprocal trade opportunities for US manufacturers and producers. The first mission took place in the UK during the week of September 15, when Rollins and Lindberg worked with biofuels producers to advance outcomes under the US–UK Economic Prosperity Deal.
• Revitalizing export finance programs: The USDA plans to reinvigorate the GSM-102 credit guarantee program, which offsets up to $5.5 billion in market risk for purchasers of US commodities. The department will seek stakeholder feedback to ensure the program best supports exports to new markets.

SFPA Executive Director Eric Gee said the USDA’s initiatives align directly with SFPA’s goals to expand market access for Southern pine lumber, reduce trade barriers, and strengthen rural economies.

“By working together, we can ensure that Southern pine, grown and manufactured in local communities, continues to contribute to America’s agricultural trade and to the success of rural economies across the Southeast,” Gee said. “The plan will help provide additional export opportunities for Southern Pine lumber from America’s working forests.”

Southern pine lumber represents a 22 billion board foot industry and a significant share of US softwood production. SFPA, which has received USDA Foreign Agricultural Service funding for more than 30 years, promotes Southern pine lumber through technical publications and market development programs in export markets.