Wisconsin food, forestry and agriculture product exports set a record in 2022, according to U.S. Census trade data. Exports were shipped to 142 countries totaling nearly $4.22 billion, a 7% increase from the previous record in 2021.
U.S. Census data shows that dairy product exports totaled $617 million, up 32% from 2021, the highest level on record and more than $100 million above the previous record year in 2014. Crop products, including grains, wood and vegetables increased more than 5% to $2.82 billion, a 10-year high. Meat products declined 2% to $782 million.In total, U.S. agricultural exports exceeded $220 billion in 2022, up 10% from the year prior. Wisconsin now ranks 12th in the nation for agricultural exports.
“This record-breaking year again presents an opportunity to strengthen our state as a leader in agricultural exports,” said DATCP Secretary Randy Romanski. “Building off of last year, this momentum, the investments of Governor Evers, and the work of DATCP’s International Agribusiness Center positions Wisconsin agribusinesses well for the next year.”
The latest release of U.S. Census data shows that post-pandemic demand is driving export growth in several markets as logistics challenges decrease. Wisconsin’s top five markets, making up more than two-thirds of total exports, are Canada, China, Mexico, Korea and Japan. Canada, Mexico and Korea showed double-digit increases in 2022, while Japan remained unchanged from 2021.