New USDA system for export sales reporting set for 2025

By Farms.com

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is gearing up to introduce an upgraded system for reporting agricultural exports. Slated for release in late 2025, the Export Sales Reporting and Query System (ESRQS) is designed to enhance the accuracy and timeliness of data crucial for traders in the grain and livestock sectors.

Exporters are legally mandated to report their sales to the USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS), which then compiles and releases this data weekly. The integrity and promptness of this information are vital for maintaining fair and efficient market operations.

Following a problematic launch in August 2022 that led to delayed reports and market disruptions, the USDA has learned from its past mistakes. The new system, still under development, is being refined with input from stakeholders to prevent future complications.

Deputy Administrator Patrick Packnett highlighted the USDA's commitment to transparency and reliability in the reporting process, noting that extensive tests with exporters will be conducted before the ESRQS goes live. This proactive approach aims to rebuild trust and ensure the system’s functionality from day one.

The upcoming improvements in the USDA’s export reporting system are a critical step towards enhancing the global competitiveness of U.S. agriculture and providing market participants with the dependable data they need to make informed decisions.