The majority of Midwest-produced agriculture exports remain in North America, but nearly one-third are sent to Asia.
The Midwest exported $13.28 billion in agricultural products in 2023, according to U.S. Census Bureau trade data, which categorizes the Midwest as 12 central states.
Nearly two-thirds of those exports were destined for North American markets, specifically Mexico and Canada, while 30% went to Asia.
Illinois led the region for agriculture exports, contributing one-third of the total Midwest exports, followed by Iowa and Kansas, which accounted for 11% and 10%, respectively. The U.S. Department of Agriculture's latest annual agricultural exports report highlights Illinois and Iowa as the nation's top exporters of soybeans, corn, and animal feed globally.
