LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Michigan farmers and foresters just crushed it in 2024, setting a new export record with $2.9 billion worth of goods sent around the globe. That’s a $282 million jump from last year, according to the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD). Bottom line: Michigan’s fields and forests are thriving, even with the ups and downs of global trade.
Processed food leads the charge.
Topping the export charts? Processed food products, raking in $636 million. Not far behind were sugar beet and soybean products, brewing waste, and animal feed at $393 million. Dairy followed at $303 million, with pasta, bread, and other starches bringing in $285 million. Michigan’s wood products rounded out the top categories with $252 million.
Michigan goods are a hit overseas.
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Canada continued to be Michigan’s biggest customer, scooping up $1.25 billion in goods. Other top buyers included Mexico, South Korea, Japan, and China. MDARD Director Tim Boring said Michigan’s agriculture sector is standing strong despite shaky global markets and new tariffs.
“This record-breaking success for our agriculture, food, and forestry companies proves Michigan ag brings high-quality products to the table that are in high demand domestically and internationally,” Boring said.
MDARD’s International Marketing Program is looking to keep the momentum going in 2025 with trade shows, buyer meetups, and global trade missions to connect Michigan producers with even more international buyers.
