U.S. Agricultural Exports Hit Record $210B in 2025

America’s Farm Power Reaches a New Peak

In 2025, U.S. agricultural exports soared to a record $210 billion, underscoring America’s role as the world’s leading food supplier. Fueled by strong global demand for soybeans, corn, poultry, and wheat, the United States strengthened its position in a volatile global food market.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Asia, Latin America, and Europe remain the largest buyers, with China, Mexico, and Canada leading import demand.

The Big Three: Soybeans, Corn, and Poultry

Soybeans

Export revenue hit $60B in 2025, up 9% year-on-year (Bloomberg).
China imported more than 32 million metric tons, despite rising competition from Brazil.
Used in livestock feed, vegetable oils, and plant-based food products.

Corn

Generated $47B in exports, supported by biofuel demand and livestock feed (Reuters).
Mexico and Japan remain top buyers, with Southeast Asia growing as a new market.
U.S. corn exports increased 6% despite drought challenges in the Midwest.

Poultry

U.S. poultry exports climbed to $40B, marking an 8% rise from 2024 (USDA ERS).
Africa and the Middle East drove most of the growth.
Affordable U.S. chicken continues to dominate as a global protein choice.

Top Buyers: Global Dependence on U.S. Food

China: Largest single buyer, importing $36B of U.S. food products (Financial Times).
Mexico: Bought $28B, mostly corn, poultry, and dairy.
Canada: Imported $25B, reflecting USMCA trade stability.
EU: Demand for nuts, soy, and ethanol grew 7%.
Africa: Imports of rice and poultry surged 18% in 2025 (FAO).

The World Bank reports U.S. farm exports reached over 120 countries this year.

Climate & Supply Chain Pressures

Despite growth, farmers faced serious hurdles:

Drought in the Midwest reduced yields by 5%, but biotech seeds offset losses.
Shipping disruptions through the Panama Canal delayed some grain flows (Guardian).
Fuel costs raised container shipping prices by 10% (WSJ).
Flooding in Asia created higher demand for U.S. grains.

Investments in rail and port upgrades kept exports moving.

The Economics of U.S. Agriculture

$210B in total exports in 2025 (USDA).
Breakdown: soybeans ($60B), corn ($47B), poultry ($40B), wheat ($22B), dairy ($15B).
Agriculture supports 1 in 10 U.S. jobs (USDA ERS).
U.S. farm income hit $172B in 2025, boosted by exports (Bloomberg).

As the Financial Times put it: “Agriculture remains America’s quiet superpower.”

Consumer Trends Abroad

Asia: Rising middle classes continue to increase demand for U.S. proteins.
Europe: Focus on organic, non-GMO exports (Guardian).
Middle East & Africa: Dependence on affordable U.S. poultry and grains for food security.

According to Eater, global consumers also associate U.S. foods with quality, scale, and reliability.

Technology and Farming Innovation

U.S. farmers remain ahead due to innovation:

Precision farming adoption reached 70% of large farms (CNBC).
AI and drones improved yields by reducing fertilizer and pesticide waste.
Climate-resilient seeds helped stabilize production.
Sustainability practices are opening doors in Europe’s eco-conscious markets (EU Commission).

Trade Policy and Government Support

USMCA kept North American trade stable.
China trade agreements supported soybean flows despite tensions.
WTO disputes remain over subsidies and tariffs.
Government subsidies and insurance programs shielded farmers from climate shocks (Reuters).

The WSJ called U.S. agriculture a “diplomatic lever on the world stage.”

The Future of U.S. Agricultural Trade

Looking forward:

Exports projected to reach $230B by 2030 (USDA).
Soybeans and corn will remain dominant, but dairy and specialty crops are rising.
Competition from Brazil and Argentina will intensify.
Demand from sub-Saharan Africa is projected to grow 25% by 2030 (World Bank).

Conclusion: America’s Global Breadbasket

In 2025, U.S. agricultural exports reached record highs, overcoming climate and supply chain obstacles to feed the world.

For farmers, exports ensure income and stability.
For consumers worldwide, U.S. food remains a reliable, affordable staple.
For policymakers, agriculture is both an economic driver and a strategic tool.

As Bloomberg concludes: “The U.S. doesn’t just feed its people—it feeds the world.”