A. Ellen Terpstra, administrator of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service, announced the opening of new Agricultural Trade Offices (ATOs) in Manila, Philippines, and Beijing, China.

"The opening of these offices is very timely as agricultural trade between the United States and Asia is rapidly expanding," Terpstra said. "U.S. exports of agricultural products to China are forecast to reach $5.4 billion this fiscal year, compared with $3.5 billion sold in 2003 and $1.8 billion in 2002."

China is the fourth largest export market for U.S. agricultural products and has recently become a strong market for U.S. soybeans. In addition to the new Beijing ATO, FAS operates ATOs in Shanghai and Guangzhou.

"The opening of a third U.S. agricultural trade office in China underscores the importance of this market to the U.S. agricultural industry," Terpstra said.

"The Philippines is also a growing ! and dynamic market, and one that is very important for U.S. agriculture. With U.S. exports of agricultural, fish and forest products totaling

$677 million in fiscal 2003, the Philippines ranks among our top 20 markets," said Terpstra.

Currently, FAS has 80 agricultural affairs and trade offices worldwide covering 130 countries. Trade offices in key markets function as service centers for U.S. exporters and foreign buyers seeking market information. U.S. agricultural trade offices and attaché offices provide foreign buyers with up-to-the-minute communication with potential suppliers in the United States. They also assist U.S. exporters in launching products in markets with diverse food preferences, social customs and marketing systems.

The Beijing ATO is located at No. 1 Guang Hua Lu, Cahoyang District, Kerry Center 24F, Unit Number 2425, Beijing 100020, China. Tel.: (011-86-10) 8529-6418; fax: (011-86-10) 8529-6692; e-mail: ATOBeijing@usda.gov . The U.S. mailing address for the Beijing ATO is Agricultural Trade Office, U.S. Embassy Beijing, PSC 461 Box 50, FPO AP 96521-0002.

The Manila ATO is located at Agricultural Trade Office, 25th Floor, Ayala Life-FGU Center, 6811 Ayala Avenue, Makati City, 1203 Philippines. Tel.: (011-63-2) 894-5381; fax: (011-63-2) 812-5430; e-mail: ATOManila@usda.gov . The U.S. mailing address for the Manila ATO is Agricultural Trade Office, PSC 500, Box 31, FPO AP 96515-1000.