US Ag Exports Defy Odds, Reach New Heights Despite Global Challenges

Despite facing numerous challenges in recent years, including global pandemics, international military conflicts, and trade policy battles with major export buyers, U.S. agricultural exports have shown remarkable resilience.

According to data from the USDA, aggregate ag export quantities for 2025 are the third highest on record, only 2.5% below the largest level achieved in 2021. The value of U.S. ag exports also remained near record levels during this period, averaging $170 billion per year.

What's more, while several commodities saw lower prices, resulting in constrained export values, other markets experienced significant growth. For instance, China accounted for over 100% of the loss in U.S. ag export value since 2022, but most of our top 25 foreign markets saw increases in export values.

Some major ag export markets, including Mexico, the European Union, South Korea, Colombia, Vietnam, Taiwan, and the Dominican Republic, finished 2025 at record high levels. Individual commodity exports like ethanol, corn, dairy products, and tree nuts also reached new highs during this period.