By Tara Desmond
IL Corn joined the U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council (USGBC) and the Illinois Economic Development Association (IEDC) to attend the U.S. Bioethanol Supply Conference in Japan, reinforcing the state’s position as a global leader in agriculture and ethanol exports while highlighting new opportunities for economic investment.
In 2024, Illinois exported $2.5 billion in goods to Japan, making it the state’s 9th largest export market. Imports from Japan totaled $7 billion, ranking it as Illinois’ 6th largest source of imported goods. Overall, bilateral trade between Illinois and Japan reached nearly $10 billion last year. Japan is also Illinois’ top foreign direct investment (FDI) partner, with more than 400 Japanese companies operating across the state and employing over 56,000 Illinoisians.
During the conference, members of “Team Illinois” joined counterparts from nine Midwestern states and more than 100 Japanese corporations to strengthen trade and investment ties.
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