Agriculture Export Highlights

Topics:

International Trade

Q2 2026 U.S. and Iowa Ag Exports

Below is summary export data obtained from WISERTrade on Iowa-focused protein and grain commodities. The report contains year-to-date (YTD) trade data, including projected agriculture adjusted data by state-of-origin/source of commodity for those overseas trade markets from January-June 2026.

Q2 2026 Highlights

U.S. soybean exports surged 33% year-over-year to $9.7 billion through Q2 2026.
- After a multi-year soybean export free fall, the first half of 2026 is showing signs of much needed relief.
- Year-over-year exports through six months gained $2.4 billion, driven by strong demand from China – doubling its 2026 first-half efforts over 2025 – and Egypt.
- Early indications from USDA 2026/2027 marketing year purchases in July and August show continued optimism.
Pork exports continue to hold steady.
- U.S. pork exports reached $3.2 billion in Q2 2026, up 2% compared to Q2 2025.
- Japan pork exports increased nearly 13% year-over-year, and Dominican Republic imports surged more than 30%, while Mexico saw a slight decrease in the market.
- Iowa maintained its position as the nation’s top pork exporting state, accounting for one-third of U.S. pork exports, with Minnesota and North Carolina following behind.
Overall U.S. corn exports see a positive increase hitting $10 billion.
- First-half corn exports topped $10.1 billion, a 3% gain over 2025.
- While Mexico and Japan exports slid, Venezuela came into the market purchasing more in six months – $304 million in value – than they have the past 3 years in total.
- Buying patterns over the first six months from the top five importing countries remain consistent, showing positive export growth going into new-crop sales.
Fresh and frozen beef exports show mixed performance.
- Fresh and chilled beef exports totaled approximately $1.91 billion, down almost 7% in year-over-year exports. Mexico, Japan and Canada posted pullbacks from 2025.
- Frozen beef exports continue to navigate difficulty, down 11% compared to Q2 2025 data, with South Korea and Japan pulling back.
Egg exports remain on recovery path.
- U.S. liquid/dried egg exports on the path to meet 2023 data, with 79% increase compared to Q2 2025.
- Iowa accounted for more than a third of the market, with New Jersey almost matching pace at $22 million in exports YTD.