Illinois Facts

o Illinois placed sixth among the fifty states in total exports last year with over $53 billion in international shipments.

o Illinois' total exports for 2008 represented a more than $5 billion increase (9.3%) from 2007. 

o In 2008, products from Illinois were sent to 218 countries.

o Top countries for Illinois' exports are Canada, Mexico, China, Australia, Japan, Germany, Brazil and the Netherlands.

o 89% of Illinois exporters were small and medium-sized businesses.

o 539,300 Illinois jobs were supported by exports in 2008.

o Illinois’ exports generated $5 billion in state tax revenue last year.

o Direct exports accounted for 8.0% of the Gross State Product (GSP) in 2007.

o Wages for workers in manufacturing and service exporting sectors, where Illinois is strongest, substantially exceed the U.S. average.

o International sales are the key to long-term business survival in today’s competitive global environment. Illinois industries with significant export potential include: Industrial Machinery, Computer/Electronic Products, Electrical & Transportation Equipment, Chemicals, Plastics, Metals and Food Products.

For more information regarding the Economic Impact of Illinois Exports and Foreign Direct Investment, please click here.