Top 10 Biggest US Food Exports in 2024-25
US food exports were worth $191 billion in 2024-25. The top US food exports include Soybeans ($24.58 billion), Corn ($13.92 billion), Beef ($10.45 billion), Nuts ($9.83 billion), and Pork ($8.63 billion).
This US food export sector includes agriculture, food products, and related industries. In 2024, these sectors contributed approximately $1.530 trillion to the United States' gross domestic product (GDP), or 5.6% of GDP. The output of American farms accounted for $203.5 billion of this total, or roughly 0.7% of GDP. This represents only 5% of the total GDP. Although this may seem like a small amount at first glance, the fact that the percentage translates to $1.109 trillion illustrates just how large and profitable the US food industry is, with a significant portion of US land and resources devoted to growing crops and producing food products.
The United States exported about $191 billion worth of food products globally in 2024, an 11% decline from the record set in 2023.
The United States plays a significant role in global agriculture, raising the question: how much food does the US export each year? As one of the largest food exporters in the world, the U.S. consistently ranks among the top exporters of food, supplying a wide variety of agricultural products to international markets.
American food exports include grains, meat, dairy, soybeans, and processed foods, addressing global demand. Among the major food exporters, the U.S. stands out for its scale, efficiency, and quality. When asking what food does the US export, it's clear that food export USA covers both raw and processed goods, making it a key player in ensuring global food security.
Specifically, exports of corn and soybeans increased by 25% in 2024, resulting in a $14 billion growth. Typically, these two commodities make up more than 25% of the overall value of food exports from the United States. In this article, we will gain insights into the US food export industry in detail, along with the top US food exports in 2024.
Top 10 Biggest US Food Exports in 2024
The biggest and the major top 10 US food exports in 2024, as per the US food export data include:
1. Soybeans: $24.58 billion (14%)
Soybeans have long been a staple of US agricultural exports, with a substantial market share of 14% in 2024-25, as per the US soybean export data. These versatile legumes are widely used in various food products and animal feed, making them a crucial commodity in international trade.
2. Corn: $13.92 billion (7.9%)
As one of the most widely produced grains in the US, corn holds a significant market share of 7.9%, as per the corn export data of USA by HS code. Its diverse applications in food, feed, and industrial products make it a valuable export commodity for the country.
3. Beef & Beef Products: $10.45 billion (5.9%)
The US is renowned for its high-quality beef products, which account for 5.9% of the total food exports. With a strong demand for US beef worldwide, this export category continues to be a lucrative market for the country.
4. Tree Nuts: $9.83 billion (5.6%)
Tree nuts, such as almonds and pistachios, have seen a surge in demand globally, with a market share of 5.6%. The US remains a leading producer and exporter of tree nuts, catering to the increasing appetite for these healthy snacks.
5. Pork & Pork Products: $8.63 billion (4.9%)
Pork exports from the US hold a substantial market share of 4.9%, showcasing the country's prowess in producing high-quality pork products. The demand for US pork remains strong in international markets, driving its growth as a top food export.
6. Dairy Products: $8.22 billion (4.7%)
Dairy products, including cheese and milk powder, make up 4.7% of US food exports, highlighting the country's dairy industry's significance. With a reputation for high standards of quality and safety, US dairy products continue to be a sought-after export.
7. Soybean Meal: $6.41 billion (3.6%)
Soybean meal, a byproduct of soybean oil production, holds a market share of 3.6% in US food exports. This valuable protein source for livestock feed plays a vital role in the agricultural export sector.
8. Food Preparations (processed): $6.29 billion (3.6%)
Processed food preparations, including sauces, condiments, and canned goods, contribute 3.6% to US food exports. With a diverse range of products catering to global tastes, this export category remains competitive in the international market.
9. Wheat: $5.87 billion (3.3%)
Wheat exports from the US hold a market share of 3.3%, reflecting the country's status as a leading producer of this staple grain. With a strong demand for US wheat in global markets, this export category remains significant for the agricultural industry.
10. Poultry Meat & Products (exc. eggs): $5.53 billion (3.1%)
Poultry meat and products, excluding eggs, make up 3.1% of US food exports, showcasing the country's expertise in poultry production. With a reputation for high-quality poultry products, the US continues to be a key player in this export category.
US Food exports by country: Top 5 food export partners of the US
The major food export partners of the US or the US food exporters by country in 2024, as per the data on US food exports by country and US food export value, include:
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China: $33.7 billion
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Mexico: $28.2 billion
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Canada: $27.9 billion
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European Union: $12.3 billion
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Japan: $12.2 billion
Biggest Food-Exporting Companies in the USA: US Food Exporters Data 2024-25
The top US food exporters or food export companies in the US, with their annual revenues and food export value in 2024, include:
1. PepsiCo Inc. ($91.471 billion)
2. Mars Inc. ($45 billion)
3. Mondelēz International ($36.016 billion)
4. The Kraft Heinz Co. ($26.485 billion)
5. General Mills Inc. ($20.094 billion)
6. Conagra Brands Inc. ($11.53 billion)
7. The Hershey Co. ($11.16 billion)
8. Campbell Soup Co. ($9.36 billion)
9. Nestle SA. ($8.2 billion)
10. Tyson Foods Inc. ($2.63 billion)
The Reason Why 2024 is a Good Year for US Food Exports
The US Department of Agriculture's quarterly trade projection indicates that the nation's agricultural exports continued to rise at a record-breaking rate in FY 2024. However, records for the fiscal year 2024 are probably going to surpass those from the year before. Future forecasts indicate that US agricultural and food exports will surpass a record $177.5 billion in FY 2025. This surpasses the revenue projections from the prior year by an astounding $4 billion. The increase in soybean, sorghum, dairy, and horticulture product exports is credited. The rising cost of soybeans is expected to result in $39 billion in export revenue. Additionally, sorghum and cotton are in high demand. China remains the United States' largest food export market, followed by Mexico and Canada.
US food exports in the last 10 years
|
Year of Trade |
US food export value |
|
2013 |
$141.1 billion |
|
2014 |
$152.3 billion |
|
2015 |
$139.8 billion |
|
2016 |
$133.7 billion |
|
2017 |
$144.8 billion |
|
2018 |
$148.6 billion |
|
2019 |
$140.1 billion |
|
2020 |
$139.7 billion |
|
2021 |
$171.8 billion |
|
2022 |
$196.1 billion |
|
2023 |
$178.7 billion |
|
2024 |
$191 billion |
.
US grain exports are forecasted to rise further
- It is anticipated that US grain exports will rise by 12% in 2025, primarily due to a recovery in maize shipments and normal Mississippi River water levels.
- Comparing the 349,636 tons recorded the week before to the 398,233 tons in the week ending August 15, export inspection of US soybeans increased by 13.9%.
- The US corn inspection for the week amounted to 1.17 million metric tons, according to the Department of Agriculture's most recent weekly report. The same is an increase from 986,183 tons last week and 510,599 tons at the same time last year.
- The USDA said that wheat inspections decreased from the week before. This week's total of inspections was 347,519 tons, compared to 666,662 tons the week before.
Conclusion
In conclusion, US food exports play a crucial role in the global food market. With a variety of products, a strong agricultural enterprise, and a developing demand for food commodities around the sector, the USA is properly located to continue to be a primary player in the international food trade. By addressing challenges and capitalizing on opportunities, US farmers and food producers can help to ensure a rich future for the US food export enterprise.
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