Grain exports play an important role in the American economy, providing financial benefits that extend beyond direct sales. In 2023, the United States exported $28.96 billion in grain and grain products, which contributed to a total economic output of $86.2 billion, according to a new study commissioned by the U.S. Grains Council (USGC) and the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA). This means that access to international export markets for U.S. grains added $57.24 billion in business sales.
The updated Value of Grain Exports study evaluates the financial benefits of grain exports, including malt barley, other barley, sorghum, corn, ethanol, dried distillers grains with solubles, corn gluten feed and meal and the corn equivalent of meat. Specifically, the study highlights the economic contributions of grain exports to each U.S. state, analyzing them individually to quantify how much state economies depend on and benefit from these export activities.
Results from the analysis show that every dollar of grain product exported generated $2.98 in business sales across the United States in 2023, through indirect and induced business activities, while also supporting more than 346,000 jobs.
Bryan Jernigan, Director of Communications at the U.S. Grains Council, commented, “The value of export markets for the U.S. agricultural industry cannot be understated, and by providing this resource for U.S. producers, the Council and NCGA hope to demonstrate the importance of trade worldwide.”
The Value of Grain Exports study is supported by an interactive map that allows users to view statistics on exports of various commodities and automatically generate an infographic displaying relevant data.