Top U.S. Agricultural Exports

Agriculture remains one of the strongest pillars of the U.S. economy and a crucial force in global food supply chains. The United States is not just a top producer of crops and livestock, but also one of the world’s largest agricultural exporters, supplying food, feed, fiber, and fuel to more than 200 countries.

From soybeans and corn to beef and dairy, U.S. agricultural exports generate over $170 billion annually, supporting millions of American jobs across farming, transportation, logistics, food processing, and trade. These exports play a strategic role in U.S. foreign policy and global food security, especially as demand grows in Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East. Below is a detailed look at the top US agricultural exports that shape America’s trade profile.

Soybeans are the United States’ most valuable agricultural export, generating between $27 and $28 billion annually. Grown mainly in Midwestern states like Iowa, Illinois, and Minnesota, soybeans are exported primarily to China, which alone accounts for more than half of U.S. soybean purchases.

Other importing nations include Mexico, the European Union, Egypt, and Japan. Most soybeans are processed into animal feed, vegetable oil, tofu, and soy protein products. Despite intense competition from Brazil—now the world’s largest soybean producer—the U.S. still benefits from advanced farming technology, efficient inland river transport via the Mississippi, and long-standing trade relationships. Soybeans are also at the center of U.S.–China trade negotiations, making them both an economic commodity and a strategic diplomatic tool.

Corn is the second-largest U.S. agricultural export, with annual export values ranging from $15 to $17 billion. The U.S. is the world’s top producer and exporter of corn, with major growing states including Iowa, Illinois, Nebraska, and Minnesota. Exports are shipped mainly to Mexico, Japan, Colombia, South Korea, and China.

Most exported corn is used for animal feed, ethanol production, and food ingredients such as corn syrup, corn oil, and starch. The U.S. has a competitive advantage due to its large-scale farming, powerful logistics through river barges and rail networks, and strong global demand for feed grain. However, factors like drought, biofuel policy, and competition from Brazil and Argentina influence export volumes year to year.

Beef and veal are among the most profitable U.S. animal product exports, bringing in over $11–12 billion annually. Leading export destinations include Japan, South Korea, China, Canada, and Mexico. The western and central states—such as Texas, Nebraska, Kansas, and Colorado—dominate beef production. U.S. beef is valued for its consistent quality, grain-fed flavor, and safety standards.

Despite trade barriers and occasional export bans linked to animal health concerns, U.S. beef has expanded in Asian markets, particularly after China reopened its market to American beef in 2017. High demand for premium cuts, especially in Japan and South Korea, continues to make beef a key contributor to U.S. agricultural revenue.

Pork is another major U.S. export, with annual trade values of $8–9 billion. The Midwest, particularly Iowa and Minnesota, produces most of the nation’s pork. Top export markets include Mexico, Japan, China, and South Korea. Pork exports include meat cuts, offal, bacon, ribs, and processed products such as ham and sausage.

China’s demand for pork surged during African Swine Fever outbreaks, making the U.S. a critical supplier. Mexico and Japan value U.S. pork due to its safety, affordability, and consistent supply. The American pork industry also benefits from advanced feed systems using corn and soybeans, making production efficient and globally competitive.

Dairy products—led by cheese, skim milk powder, whey, and butterfat—account for more than $8 billion in U.S. agricultural exports. Major buyers include Mexico, China, Canada, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East. Wisconsin and California are the top dairy-producing states. U.S. dairy exports have increased due to rising global demand for high-protein products, nutritional supplements, and processed foods.

Cheese exports, especially mozzarella and cheddar, are shipped to pizza and food service industries worldwide. While competition from the European Union and New Zealand remains strong, the U.S. is expanding its share by improving cold chain infrastructure, marketing, and free trade agreements.

Wheat is another key crop export, generating $7–8 billion annually. The U.S. exports wheat to countries such as Mexico, the Philippines, Japan, Nigeria, and Indonesia. Major wheat-producing states include Kansas, North Dakota, Washington, and Montana. The U.S. grows several types of wheat—hard red winter, hard red spring, soft red winter, white wheat, and durum—each serving different uses from bread to pasta to pastries. The country’s reputation for quality, reliability, and storage infrastructure keeps it competitive even with increased competition from Russia, Canada, and Australia.

Cotton is the leading U.S. fiber export, valued at around $6–7 billion per year. The southern states—Texas, Georgia, Mississippi, and Arkansas—dominate cotton production. More than 75% of U.S. cotton is exported, primarily to China, Vietnam, Turkey, Pakistan, and Bangladesh for textile manufacturing. U.S. cotton is known for its high quality, especially the long-staple cotton used in premium fabrics. Government farm programs, advanced harvesting technology, and strong global textile demand maintain cotton as a critical export crop. Cotton also supports U.S. port activity, especially through Gulf Coast and Southeast terminals.

Tree nuts, particularly almonds, pistachios, and walnuts, contribute over $9–10 billion annually to U.S. export revenue. California produces more than 80% of the world’s almonds and is also a top exporter of pistachios and walnuts. Key export destinations include China, India, the European Union, and the Middle East. Tree nuts are valued for their nutritional benefits and increasing use in plant-based foods, snacks, desserts, and cooking oils. Despite challenges like drought in California and water restrictions, nut exports remain strong due to long-term international demand and premium branding.

Poultry, especially broiler chickens, is another top export product, bringing in over $5 billion annually. The U.S. exports frozen chicken parts, wings, and mechanically deboned meat primarily to Mexico, China, Cuba, Angola, and the Philippines. States such as Georgia, Arkansas, and North Carolina lead poultry production. U.S. poultry is competitive due to low production costs, efficient feed conversion, modern processing plants, and strong global demand for affordable protein. African and Asian markets particularly value American chicken for its price and availability, although the industry faces challenges from avian influenza and trade restrictions.

Ethanol and other corn-based processed goods also play a growing role in agricultural exports, with ethanol exports generating over $3–4 billion annually. The U.S. ships ethanol mainly to Canada, Brazil, India, South Korea, and the European Union for use in transportation fuel and industrial purposes. As global demand for cleaner fuel and bio-based products increases, ethanol has become a significant part of America’s agricultural export portfolio. Soybean meal, corn gluten feed, and distillers’ dried grains (DDGS) are additional feed products exported across livestock industries worldwide.

In conclusion, U.S. agricultural exports are not just commodities—they are a mix of economic strength, farm innovation, global trade relationships, and food security. From soybeans and corn feeding global livestock to beef in Tokyo restaurants and almonds in European supermarkets, American agriculture reaches every continent.

As competition from Brazil, Argentina, and the European Union grows, the United States continues to rely on technology, logistics, research, and trade agreements to maintain its leadership in global agriculture. These exports support rural America, strengthen trade alliances, and ensure that U.S. farmers remain essential players in the global food system.