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

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Top Customers of U.S. Pork

Mexico, China and Japan receive the most pork exports from U.S.
Green cow silhouette with a list of countries: South Korea, Japan, Mexico.

Top Customers of U.S. Beef

South Korea, Japan and Mexico are the top beef customers of U.S.
Corn graphic with a list of countries: 1. Mexico, 2. Japan, 3. Colombia.

Top Customers of U.S. Corn

Mexico, Japan and Colombia are the top three countries using U.S. corn.
Green fuel pump graphic lists: 1. Canada, 2. European Union, 3. India.

Top Customers of U.S. Ethanol

Canada, European Union and India
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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

World map showing corn-based biofuel production and transport routes, with a tanker, and a corn graphic.

Trade Talk: Progress for Farmers

By Lyndi Allen • November 20, 2025
Trade deals and tariff negotiations are increasingly critical as farmers conclude the U.S. corn and soybean harvest; new opportunities could ease profitability pressures
Congressman Sorensen

Congressman Sorensen Addresses Illinois Farmers Concerns

By Lyndi Allen • November 13, 2025
Congressman Sorensen responds to the district 17 farmers' concerns about the challenges and opportunities they face in today’s farm economy.
Collin Watters at podium

IL Corn Strengthens Trade Ties with Japan with USGBC and Illinois Economic Development Association

By Tara Desmond • September 18, 2025
IL Corn joined the U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council and Illinois Economic Development Association on a Japan trade mission, strengthening global markets for Illinois corn and ethanol and fostering new opportunities for farmers.
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Mission: Through grassroots advocacy, create a future for Illinois farmers in which they can operate freely, responsibly, and successfully.