One feature of the global food economy is the simultaneous import and export of the same items, a phenomenon known as redundant trade.  In California, for example, domestic cherries are exported to Canada and Japan, while a nearly equivalent number of cherries are imported from Chile, Italy, and Germany. California also exports and imports nearly identical amounts of lettuce and almonds. Although shipping fresh fruits and vegetables is an expensive undertaking, there is a justifiable economic rationale for redundant trade.
Undertaking free trade with one's political allies helps to maintain international goodwill most strongly supports the conclusion above.