Export & Trade

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27,449 JOBS

IN THE STATE ECONOMY

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$3.29 MILLION

IN GROSS STATE PRODUCT

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$8.04 BILLION

IN ECONOMIC OUTPUT

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$3.85 BILLION

IN EXPORT VALUE

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U.S. GRAINS COUNCIL

Developing markets, enabling trade and improving lives

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U.S. MEAT EXPORT FEDERATION

Increasing the value and profit opportunities for the U.S. beef, pork and lamb industries

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USA POULTRY & EGG EXPORT COUNCIL

Promoting exports of U.S. poultry and eggs worldwide

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Illinois exports are a growing opportunity

Making export growth a priority extends to the locks and dams priority (we need adequate infrastructure to move grain) and the ethanol priority (ethanol exports is a growing market). "Exports" is the place where many of our programs overlap. 

IL Corn works with several important partners to accomplish our international export goals, including:

  • US Grains Council 
  • National Corn Growers Association
  • US Meat Export Federation 
  • USA Poultry and Egg Export Council

Why Global Growth Means Opportunity for Illinois Corn

Top Customers of U.S. Pork

Mexico, China and Japan receive the most pork exports from U.S.

Top Customers of U.S. Beef

South Korea, Japan and Mexico are the top beef customers of U.S.

Top Customers of U.S. Corn

Mexico, Japan and Colombia are the top three countries using U.S. corn.

Top Customers of U.S. Ethanol

Canada, European Union and India

The flow of goods, ideas, capital, and people is essential for our prosperity. Today, more than 95% of the world’s population lives outside the U.S, and more than 97% of the anticipated population growth over the next 35 years will take place outside of U.S. borders. Global buying power is also growing and as incomes grow, food preferences change. Historically, this has meant an increase in animal protein demand which in turn drives demand for animal feeds. As a major producer of corn with access to efficient freight, Illinois is poised to play an outsized role in the future growth of corn and corn product exports.

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NEWS

headshot of Shelby Watson

Global Protein Demand, Local Corn Impact: Shelby Watson Shares Insights

By Tara Desmond • July 14, 2025
We recently caught up with Shelby Watson following the announcement of her promotion to Director, The Americas & Allied Industry Programs at USAPEEC. In her expanded role, Shelby is taking on new responsibilities across Mexico, Central and South America, and the Caribbean.
Illinois exports map around the world

Importance of Trade Series: Livestock

By Lyndi Allen • July 10, 2025
Trade is top priority for IL Corn as it plays a critical role in driving demand for U.S. corn—especially when considering meat and meat products.
A map of the world with arrows pointing to trade countries

Importance of Trade Series: Ethanol

By Lyndi Allen • July 3, 2025
Trade plays a critical role in driving demand for U.S. corn—not only as grain or feed, but also as fuel.
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Mission: Through grassroots advocacy, create a future for Illinois farmers in which they can operate freely, responsibly, and successfully.