By Andi Anderson
Illinois stands as the third largest exporting state in the United States despite being landlocked in the Midwest. In 2023, total exports from Illinois reached $81 billion across all industries.
Agricultural exports accounted for nearly 17 percent of this total, approximately $13.7 billion, according to Jake Armstrong, President of the Warren-Henderson Farm Bureau.
Armstrong highlighted that Illinois’s position as a trade powerhouse is supported by its strategic transportation network. Although Illinois lacks oceanfront ports, the state benefits from a long border along the Mississippi River and the Illinois River feeding into it.
This network provides cost-effective routes to transport goods efficiently. Additionally, access to the Great Lakes enables exports to northeastern markets, further enhancing Illinois’s trade capacity.
This infrastructure advantage allows Illinois to move large quantities of products out of the state smoothly and competitively. The state’s efficient transportation systems contribute significantly to its ability to compete with coastal states that have direct ocean access.
Further strengthening Illinois’s export capabilities, the City of Galesburg recently received a $25 million grant from the United States Department of Transportation. This funding comes through the “Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity” program.
The grant will be used to install rail tracks and switching facilities, creating new pathways for transporting goods. This investment is expected to enhance the state’s trade logistics and support ongoing economic growth.
Overall, Illinois’s strong export market is backed by both its agricultural productivity and its strategic infrastructure investments. These factors combine to ensure that Illinois remains a key player in national and global trade.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-zoran-zeremski
Categories: Illinois, Business