WASHINGTON, DC, US — US exports of farm and food products totaled $177 billion in 2021, surpassing the 2020 total by 18% and passing the previous record set in 2014 by 14.6%, according to data from the US Department of Commerce.

“These record-breaking trade numbers demonstrate that US agriculture is incredibly resilient as it continues to provide high-quality, cost-competitive farm and food products to customers around the globe and that the Biden-Harris administration’s agenda is working for American farmers and producers,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “This is a major boost for the economy as a whole, and particularly for our rural communities, with agricultural exports stimulating local economic activity, helping maintain our competitive edge globally, supporting producers’ bottom lines, and supporting more than 1.3 million jobs on the farm and in related industries such as food processing and transportation.”

All top 10 export markets for the United States saw gains in 2021, with six setting new records. Those markets included China, Mexico, Canada, South Korea, the Philippines and Colombia.

China was the top export destination with $33 billion in purchases, an increase of 25%, followed by Mexico with a record $25.5 billion, up 39%.

“It’s clear that our international trading partners are responding favorably to a return to certainty from the United States,” Vilsack said. “We’re addressing transportation and infrastructure challenges through the work of the administration’s Supply Chain Task Force and calling out ocean carriers that are putting profits above their responsibility to serve both importers and exporters. And we’re expanding opportunities for agricultural exports by knocking down trade barriers and partnering with industry on marketing and promotion efforts worldwide.”