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Illinois Key Facts
- Illinois placed fifth among the 50 states (#1 in the Midwest) in total exports with over $80 billion in international shipments.
- In 2024, products from Illinois were sent to 217 countries.
- Top countries for Illinois' exports are Canada, Mexico, Australia, China, Germany, Netherlands, Brazil, United Kingdom, Japan, and Singapore.
- 90% of Illinois exporters are small- and medium-sized businesses and account for 25% of total state exports.
- Direct exports account for nearly 10% of the Gross State Product (GSP).
- Wages for workers in manufacturing and service exporting sectors, where Illinois is strongest, substantially exceed the U.S. average.
- International sales are the key to long-term business survival in today's competitive global environment. Illinois industries with significant export potential include industrial machinery, agricultural products, transportation equipment, chemicals, computers, electronic/electrical products, metals and plastics.
Illinois and USMCA
- Illinois has realized significant benefits from United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) related trade.
- Canada and Mexico are Illinois' two largest trading partners importing approximately 41% of Illinois' total exports.
- Illinois exports totaled more than $32 billion to USMCA country partners in 2024.
