The top 3 countries accounted for nearly half of the US' agricultural exports in 2024, valued at $83.35 billion

Key takeaways:

  • Mexico ranked as the leading destination for the US' agricultural exports in 2024, with a total value of $30.32 billion (17.2% of total agricultural exports).
  • North American neighbours, Mexico and Canada, collectively accounted for 33.3% of total US agricultural exports.
  • China was the third-largest market, importing $24.65 billion (14%) of the US' agricultural products.
  • Asian markets, including China, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, the Philippines, and Vietnam, collectively absorbed 31.7% of the US' agricultural exports.
  • The top three markets (Mexico, Canada, and China) made up 47.3% of the US' total agricultural export value.
  • The top 10 markets accounted for 74.8% of the US' agricultural exports, totalling $131.85 billion.

In 2024, the United States exported approximately $176 billion in agricultural goods worldwide. Mexico, Canada, and China emerged as the top markets, collectively accounting for nearly half (47.3%) of total exports. Mexico led the list at $30.32 billion, followed by Canada at $28.38 billion and China at $24.65 billion.

The European Union and Japan completed the top five, importing $12.8 billion (7.3%) and $11.98 billion (6.8%), respectively. Asian markets featured prominently, with six countries among the top 10 destinations collectively receiving nearly one-third of all US agricultural exports.

Source:

United States Department of Agriculture

Period:

2024
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