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Total organic exports were estimated at $3.4 billion in 2025, a modest increase from $3.3 billion in 2024, with organic food products accounting for 90% of sales. That is according to the Organic Trade Association’s (OTA) 2026 U.S. Organic Exports Report, which draws on OTA’s annual export survey and market research to highlight opportunities and challenges for U.S. organic trade.
International price competitiveness and high transportation costs are the most significant barriers to export success, cited by 50% of exporting companies. Trade barriers arising from differing organic regulations between countries (35%) and high tariffs (32%) are considered secondary concerns.
Are equivalency agreements making a positive difference? Survey respondents were ambivalent, with around half (56%) saying the agreements have not increased their export trade. South Korea is the region where the highest percentage of companies (18%) reported a positive effect. In Europe, 15% felt that equivalency agreements are boosting sales – down from 24% last year, but up from 10% in 2024.
Other report highlights include:
Export Categories
Fresh produce continued to account for around a quarter of organic exports. Non-food products contributed less than 10% of export revenue. Grocery products were a popular export category, accounting for 26% of export sales. Beverages and snacks each made up 15%.
Growth Markets
Canada remains the most popular destination for organic exports, with 67% of organic exporters currently selling to this region. Mainland Europe is in second place, closely followed by Japan and South Korea.
In terms of sales, Canada remains the leading market by far, with close to a third (32%) of organic export sales heading to this region. However, this is down significantly from the 53% average reported last year. Growing markets include mainland Europe, which accounted for 18% of sales, up from 14% last year, and South Korea, which accounted for 11%, up from 4%.
Around half (56%) of companies exporting organic goods plan to expand into new markets within the next 2 to 3 years, while only 9% have no such plans. When asked without prompting, Australia and Africa were cited as key areas for expansion. Additionally, 32% indicated that the UK is a likely new market for them in this timeframe.