In 2024, the value of U.S. agricultural exports reached $176 billion, the third-highest total on record and a 1% increase from 2023. The European Union (EU) emerged as the fourth-largest destination for these exports, with tree nuts ranking as the top export commodity in this market. Soybeans, however, were the leading export commodity overall. That’s according to the latest Agricultural Export Yearbook from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS), which reveals the top U.S. commodity exports and export destinations in calendar year 2024.
Top commodities and their value
In 2024, U.S. export volumes increased for most bulk commodities, including corn, soybeans, wheat, sorghum and rice. However, lower commodity prices limited overall growth to just 1%.
The top 10 commodities exported by the United States were soybeans, corn, beef and beef products, tree nuts, pork and pork products, dairy products, soybean meal, food preparations, wheat, and poultry meat and products. Together, these products accounted for 57% of the U.S. agricultural export value. Despite a decline in annual exports, soybeans remained the largest export commodity, reaching a value of $24.5 billion.
Top export destinations
Mexico was the top market for U.S. agricultural commodities in 2024, at a record $30.3 billion, followed by Canada and China in second and third place. The EU ranked fourth, with a total value of $12.8 billion, representing a 1% increase from the previous year. Tree nuts, distilled spirits, corn and ethanol were primarily responsible for this growth.
The UK emerged as the thirteenth-largest destination for U.S. agricultural commodities in 2024, reaching a record value of $2.2 billion, thanks to a remarkable 13% growth from 2023. This growth was primarily driven by higher exports of ethanol, tree nuts and essential oils.
There was a notable increase in ethanol exports to the UK, which surged to a record $535 million, a 31% rise from the previous year.
About the U.S. Agricultural Export Yearbook
The Yearbook is an annual publication produced by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) using trade data published by the U.S. Census Bureau of the U.S. Department of Commerce. Foreign country export data is sourced from the reporting countries’ national statistical agencies, as reported through Trade Data Monitor. All data is as of March 1, 2025.