Missouri: Facts and Figures

Missouri’s machinery, chemicals, and food industries all benefit from international engagement. In 2021, Missouri exported $15.5 billion worth of goods to foreign markets, benefiting nearly 6,000 Missouri companies -- of which 85% are small-and medium-sized businesses. Overall, international trade supports nearly 756,000 jobs in the state.

Job Creation

  • In Missouri, 755,700 jobs were supported by international trade in 2019, representing 19.8% of all jobs in the state.1,2
  • In 2020, 5,989 companies exported goods from Missouri of which 85% were small- and medium-sized enterprises. In 2018, 135,700 people were employed by affiliates of companies at least 50% foreign-owned.3,4

Exports and Growth

  • Missouri exported $15.5 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
    • Canada ($5.2 billion)
    • Mexico ($3.3 billion)
    • China ($698 million)
    • Germany ($679 million)
    • Japan ($479 million)
  • Agricultural exports are important to Missouri's' economy, totaling $4.5 billion in 2020, according to the USDA.6
  • Since 2014, the U.S. Export-Import Bank has financed $1 billion in exports from 82 companies in Missouri.7
  • Since 1971, the Overseas Private Investment Corporation - which has been modernized into the Development Finance Corporation (DFC) - has invested $362 million in Missouri companies for overseas investment.8
  • Since 1992, the U.S. Trade and Development Agency has helped facilitate $230 million in exports from Missouri companies.9

Education and Research

  • In 2018-2019, 5,959 Missouri students studied abroad.10
  • During 2020, 20,140 international students were enrolled in Missouri colleges and universities and contributed $601 million to the Missouri economy.10

Global Engagement

  • Since 1961, 3,593 Peace Corps volunteers from Missouri have served in dozens of countries overseas.11