June 20, 2024 – Governor JB Pritzker, Illinois Department of Commerce, and The Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity announced a record-breaking year with export sales over $78.7 billion.
“Illinois is once again recognized as a leader in global exports,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “As the fifth largest exporting state in the nation, our $78.7 billion in international sales supports countless jobs across the state – a sign of a thriving economy. I am also thankful to the broad array of industries who contributed to this milestone. Their robust selection of goods and services signal to the world that a trade partnership with Illinois is good for business.”
“The State of Illinois continues to grow as a global economic powerhouse with record-breaking export sales,” said DCEO Director Kristin Richards. “Through resources provided by DCEO’s Office of Trade and Investment, Illinois businesses can access opportunities to help them succeed at home and across the globe.”
Illinois is considered a global gateway, with many geographic locations and proximity to airports, railways and shipping ports helping companies move their products to over 200 countries around the world. Illinois continues to lead the Midwest as the top exporting state and fifth in the nation. Since 2019, Illinois exports have increased by 32%. Mexico, Illinois’ second top export market, was the single greatest contributor to growth, with export sales exceeding 12% growth since 2022 and 39% since 2019.
By: Dree Walker
