Missouri: Facts and Figures

Missouri’s machinery, chemicals, and food industries all benefit from international engagement. Missouri exports $31 billion worth of goods and services to foreign markets annually, benefiting nearly 6,000 Missouri companies – of which 84% are small- and medium-sized businesses. International trade supports over 760,000 jobs in the state.

Job Creation

  • In Missouri, 760,000 jobs were supported by trade, representing 20.0% of all jobs in the state.1,2
  • In 2023, 5,842 companies exported goods from Missouri, of which 84% were small- and medium-sized enterprises. In 2022, 134,300 people were employed by affiliates of companies at least 50% foreign-owned.3,4

Exports and Growth

  • Missouri exported $31 billion in goods and services to foreign markets in 2023. 5
    • Canada ($7.5 billion)
    • Mexico ($4.6 billion)
    • China ($2.3 billion)
    • United Kingdom ($1.4 billion)
    • Germany ($1.2 billion)
  • Agricultural exports are important to Missouri's economy, totaling $5.6 billion annually, according to the USDA.6
  • Since 2014, the U.S. Export-Import Bank has financed $1 billion in exports from 85 companies in Missouri.7
  • Since 1992, the U.S. Trade and Development Agency has helped facilitate $230 million in exports from Missouri companies.9

Education and Research

  • From 2023-2024, 32,647 international students were enrolled in Missouri colleges and universities, contributing $1.1 billion to the Missouri economy.10

Global Engagement

  • Since 1961, 3,471 Peace Corps volunteers from Missouri have served in dozens of countries overseas.11