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Agricultural Export Summary

Livestock MarketSince it was founded in 1776, Tennessee has been a state blessed with natural resources. Agricultural products have always been one of the most important parts of Tennessee's economy and continue to be even today. As we enter a new age in our state's history, international trade comes to the forefront.

Tennessee products are enjoyed not only statewide but globally. Over the past five years, international exports have increased nearly fifty percent and exports of its three main products have more than tripled. Since 2002 all Tennessee agricultural exports have increased from 650 million dollars to 925 million dollars (USDA ERS) and continue to grow. Agricultural products make up a huge portion of Tennessee's exports every year and show no sign of slowing down.

We are a state filled with great business leaders and creative entrepreneurs. With the stage set for global success, Tennessee can only thrive as we work toward a better tomorrow for Tennessee agriculturalists.

Top 5 Agricultural Exports, Estimates, FY 2006

RANK
EXPORT
RANK AMONG STATES
VALUE MIL $
1st Cotton and Linters 6 290.5
2nd Other 13 170.8
3rd Soybeans and Products 15 114.7
4th Wheat and Wheat Products 26 64.4
5th Tobacco Unmodified 3 63.5
Overall   24 923.6
More information on agricultural exports:
State Export Data
Agricultural Trade Briefing Room
Contact Nora Brooks, (202) 694-5211

 

Top 5 Counties in Agricultural Sales, 2002

RANK
COUNTY
% OF STATE TOTAL RECEIPTS
VALUE MIL $
1st Warren 4.3 93.9
2nd Bedford 3.9 85.6
3rd Robertson 2.9 64.9
4th Gibson 2.9 64.4
5th Obion 2.9 62.9
State Total     2199.8

 

Tennessee's Top Value-Added Agricultural Exports and Their Top Markets

RANK
EXPORT
MARKETS
1st Beverages Great Britain, Germany and Spain
2nd Fats and Oils Canada and India
3rd Prepared Vegetable Products Japan, Korea and Saudi Arabia
4th Flour Products Canada and Mexico
5th Animal Feed Canada, Mexico and Egypt

 

The following graphs illustrate the historic changes in Tennessee's top export products to their top market destinations. Tennesse's rank among the states that export to that particular country is listed in parentheses after the country's name. Tennessee exporters can use these illustrations to visualize the ever-changing international marketplace and identify possible opportunities to seize or declining markets to avoid.

Export Chart 1

Export Chart 2

Export Chart 3

Export Chart 4

Export Chart 5

If you have any questions or need help, contact:
Tenn Dept. of Agriculture
Market Development Division
PO Box 40627
Nashville, TN 37204
Phone: (615) 837-5160, Fax: (615) 837-5194, Email: kyle.holmberg@TN.gov