"Thanks to existing free trade agreements, the United States enjoys strong trading relationships with both Chile and Peru," said Mr Vilsack.

"In addition, both nations are part of the Trans-Pacific Partnership, which if implemented will boost the Chilean and Peruvian economies and tighten integration with the US economy, helping further expand demand for US agricultural products."

The US entered into a trade agreement with Peru in 2009 that slashed agricultural tariffs and improved market access for many US products. As a result, US farm and food exports to Peru have nearly tripled, reaching a record $1.25 billion in fiscal year 2015.

In the Chilean market, all US products enjoy duty-free access as of 2015, thanks to the free trade agreement enacted in 2004. Since 2004, US exports to Chile have grown more than 500 per cent, totalling $803 million in fiscal year 2015.

"In both Chile and Peru, steady economic growth and an expanding middle-class population are fuelling demand for high-quality, made-in-America food and agricultural products.

"Now that the United States enjoys open access to these markets, it's a great time for US companies – especially small- and medium-sized enterprises – to start or expand their exports there," Mr Vilsack said.

The trade missions aim to give US exporters the opportunity to forge relationships with potential customers and trading partners, interact with host government officials, and gather market intelligence that will help develop strategies to expand sales in key markets overseas.