2023 Kansas Export Statistics Executive Summary

In 2023, Kansas achieved a record-high export value of $14.08 billion, marking an increase of nearly $66.89 million, or 0.48 percent, compared to the previous year. This surpasses the previous peaks of $14.02 billion in 2022 and $12.5 billion in both 2021 and 2008. The growth can be attributed to pent-up demand following the global pandemic, higher product prices, and fiscal and monetary policies of key trading partners, showcasing a balanced mix of growth and resilience. Despite declines in certain agricultural sectors, Kansas maintained its competitive edge in the global market, driven by strong performances in aerospace, electrical machinery, and pharmaceutical products.

Kansas exports in 2023 exhibited robust performance with significant growth in key commodity categories and steadfast trade relationships with major international markets. The combined value of the top ten exported commodities reached $10.88 billion. Notably, the aircraft and parts category saw an increase of $340 million, electric machinery rose by $258 million, and pharmaceutical products grew by $130 million. In contrast, the cereals category declined by $362 million, oil seeds decreased by $292 million, and meat exports dropped by $88 million. Four of the top five export destinations—Mexico, Canada, Japan, and China—remained unchanged from 2022. Germany surpassed the Republic of Korea to become Kansas’ fifth-largest export market in 2023.

In the broader five-state region encompassing Kansas, Colorado, Missouri, Nebraska, and Oklahoma, the average export value was $11.37 billion, which is $2.71 billion less than the Sunflower State.

Below are some highlights regarding key international markets and commodities:

• The top ten exported commodities accounted for 77.23% of total exports, a figure nearly identical to last year’s 76.77%;
• Apart from the aircraft and parts, electric machinery, and pharmaceutical products categories, notable growth was observed in the food industry residues, special classification, and optic and medical instruments categories, which saw increases of $70 million, $50 million, and $49 million respectively. The special classification category encompasses products like repaired goods;
• Mexico, Canada, and Japan ranked as Kansas’ top three export destinations, collectively accounting for $6.44 billion, or 45.69% of total Kansas exports;
• Exports to France, China, and Türkiye showed the strongest growth, increasing by $213 million, $125 million, and $91 million, respectively. Conversely, despite being among Kansas’ top ten trading partners, exports to Mexico, the Republic of Korea, and Japan saw the most significant declines, dropping by $295 million, $108 million, and $92 million, respectively;
• France experienced a surge driven by pharmaceutical products and aircraft and parts categories. China saw notable growth in cereals, aircraft and parts, and electric machinery categories. Türkiye’s increase was primarily in the aircraft and parts category. Mexico witnessed a significant decrease in the cereals category. For Korea and Japan, the most substantial reduction was observed in the meat category.
• The only partner to drop off the top-ten destination list compared to the previous year was Brazil, which became Kansas’ 11th largest export destination in 2023. This shift was primarily due to reduced exports in the aircraft and parts category;