Exporting Facts And Statistics

In 2006, Iowa exported over $4.2 billion in farm goods* and in 2007 exported $9.6 billion in manufactured/value-added foods.**

*U.S. Department of Agriculture **Global Trade Information Services

An estimated 2,500 Iowa companies export their products and services.
In 2007, the top five importers of Iowa manufactured goods were Canada, Mexico, Japan, Germany, and China.

Top Iowa Exports of Manufactured & Value-Added Goods by Harmonized
(Schedule B) Number (HS) in 2007

Agricultural Facts

Of all U.S. states, Iowa ranks:
- first in corn production and second in soybean production respectively (2006).
- first in soybean and feed grain exports (2006)
- first in hog production
- second in red meat production
- second in overall agricultural export value: $4 billion (2006)
An estimated 60% of Iowa white corn is exported.
Iowa exports pork products to 27 countries.
Iowa exports beef products to more than 17 countries.
The State of Iowa was the first state to sponsor a Seminar/Trade Show for food grade soybeans in Japan.
Three Iowa State University soybean varieties have been introduced in Japan. These varieties provide better quality and higher yields.

Workers at exporting firms earn 15% more than workers in non-exporting firms.
Worker benefits are one-third higher at exporting firms than at non-exporting firms.
Workers at exporting plants enjoy greater job stability.
Employment, output and productivity growth are up to 11% higher at exporting plants than at non-exporting plants.
Exporting plants are up to 50% more productive than non-exporting plants.
The failure rate for exporting firms is one-third less than for non-exporting firms.
Sales per employee are 150% higher at firms that export than at non-exporting firms.

Information obtained from the National Association of Manufacturers by the Institute of International Economics