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# GRAPHIC: Nearly one-third of Midwest ag exports sent to Asian markets
- URL: https://www.investigatemidwest.org/graphic-nearly-one-third-of-midwest-ag-exports-sent-to-asian-markets/
- Published: 2024-08-15T14:44:37.000Z
- Updated: 2024-08-15T14:44:37.000Z
- Description: Illinois had the most agriculture exports of 12 Midwest states.
- Author: Mónica Cordero, Investigate Midwest
- Tags: Data Harvest, agriculture, TP::Explainer, exports, USDA, #wp, #wp-post, #Import 2026-06-18 04:56

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](https://www.ers.usda.gov/data-products/state-agricultural-trade-data/annual-state-agricultural-exports/?ref=investigatemidwest.org) report highlights Illinois and Iowa as the nation's top exporters of soybeans, corn, and animal feed globally.