Kansas’s transportation, manufacturing, and food products are in increasing demand throughout the world. In 2021, the state exported $12.6 billion worth of goods, with international trade supporting nearly 365,000 jobs in across the state.
Job Creation
In Kansas, 364,600 jobs were supported by international trade in 2019, representing 18.7% of all jobs in the state.1,2
In 2020, 3,302 companies exported goods from Kansas of which 82% were small- and medium-sized enterprises. In 2018, 76,100 people were employed by affiliates of companies at least 50% foreign-owned.3,4
Exports and Growth
Kansas exported $12.6 billion in goods to foreign markets in 2021, a 21% increase compared to 2020 driven by continued economic recovery from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the global economy.5
Mexico ($2.8 billion)
Canada ($2.0 billion)
China ($1.2 billion)
Japan ($1.1 billion)
South Korea ($584 million)
Agricultural exports are important to Kansas's' economy, totaling $5.7 billion in 2020, according to the USDA.6
Since 2014, the U.S. Export-Import Bank has financed $3.0 billion in exports from 55 companies in Kansas.7
Since 1971, the Overseas Private Investment Corporation - which has been modernized into the Development Finance Corporation (DFC) - has invested $303 million in Kansas companies for overseas investment.8
Since 1992, the U.S. Trade and Development Agency has helped facilitate $950 million in exports from Kansas companies.9
Education and Research
In 2018-2019, 2,855 Kansas students studied abroad.10
During 2020, 8,911 international students were enrolled in Kansas colleges and universities and contributed $250 million to the Kansas economy.10
Global Engagement
Since 1961, 1,857 Peace Corps volunteers from Kansas have served in dozens of countries overseas.11
