The Importance of Agriculture Exports

With 95.5% of the world’s population and 80% of the world’s wealth being outside of the United States, opportunities for agricultural exports are great. Middle class consumer populations are growing quickly around the globe and the United States is a mature market able to serve these growing middle class consumers.

 Export Statistics

Idaho produces 185 commodities statewide.  Idaho continues to be among the nation’s leader in the production of several commodities and is ranked in the top ten in the nation for 25 different crops and livestock. Cash receipts for Idaho agriculture in 2012 are projected to be $7.7 billion, a 5% increase over 2011. Idaho agriculture remains the state’s leading natural resource-based industry.

U.S. Agricultural Trade Data
USDA Foreign Ag Service Databases
Idaho Agricultural Statistics

The total dollar value of Idaho agricultural commodities exported was $2.17 billion in 2011 (source USDA ERS). The table below summarizes Idaho’s largest export commodity groups.

Commodity Group

2011 Exports

Rank Among Other States

Wheat and Wheat Products

$557.7 million

9th

Vegetables and Preparations

$301.7 million

3rd

Dairy Products

$294.2 million

4th

Feeds and Fodders

$82.2 million

2nd

 

 Where Idaho Agricultural Exports Go

Canada and Mexico are Idaho’s largest agricultural export markets, with Japan and China following closely behind. The chart below shows the top ten export markets for Idaho’s agricultural products.