Kansas Exports Increase in 2019

Topeka, Kan. – Kansas exports totaled $11.6 billion in 2019, up 0.25 percent over 2018. Nationally, U.S. exports experienced a 1.25 percent decline during the same period.

“Seeing Kansas exports rise in the face of global headwinds like trade disputes, aviation difficulties and Brexit is heartening, and Kansans should be proud they are outperforming the national trend,” said Kansas Secretary of Commerce David Toland.

“Governor Kelly and I are committed to Kansas’ success in an increasingly competitive global economy,” Toland added. “The Governor’s reestablishment of the International division at the Department of Commerce and the continued investment in key programs that benefit Kansas exporters are having a positive impact on our exports.”

The combined value of the top ten exported commodities was $9 billion. The largest gains were seen in the cereals, electric machinery and vehicle and parts categories, which increased by $93 million, $90 million and $80 million respectively.

In the five-state region which includes Kansas, Colorado, Missouri, Nebraska and Oklahoma, the average export value was $9.3 billion, $2.3 billion less than Kansas’ export total.

Highlights:

• The top ten exported commodities accounted for 77.2 percent of total exports, nearly the same as last year’s data (77.4 percent).
• Other than the cereals, electric machinery and vehicle categories, significant growth was seen in the optic and medical equipment category and the oil seeds category, which increased by $44 million and $32 million respectively.
• Mexico continues to be Kansas’ largest export destination, totaling $2.2 billion. Compared with last year, exports to Mexico increased by $84 million or 4 percent.
• Exports to Brazil increased by $87 million or 47.5 percent, making it Kansas’ ninth-largest export destination. The drastic increase came from the aircraft and parts sector, which grew by nearly $70 million.
• Exports to China, the United Kingdom and Canada experienced significant declines, $103 million, $64 million and $61 million respectively. The decline was mainly caused by turbulence in trade deal negotiations, volatility in the aircraft and parts sector and slow growth in the global economy. Despite significant reductions, these three countries continue to be Kansas’ top export destinations, and the rank order remains largely unchanged. France and Australia dropped out of the top-10 list and were replaced by Brazil and Taiwan.
• The top five export markets are Mexico, Canada, Japan, China and Germany. Combined, the group accounted for 53 percent of total exports. The top 10 markets accounted for 68 percent of total exports.

2019 Kansas Exports–Top 10 Markets

2019 Kansas Exports Top 10 Commodity Classifications

For more information visit https://www.kansascommerce.gov/programs-services/export/.

Pictured: BG Products in El Dorado