The U.S. agricultural sector is more than just farms and fields; it’s a powerhouse driving the nation’s economy. In 2026, agricultural exports sent shockwaves of economic activity throughout the country, far beyond the initial sale of farm products. This phenomenon is captured by the Agricultural Trade Multipliers (ATM) a data product that quantifies the employment and output effects of trade in farm and food products.
The multiplier effect illustrates how every dollar from agricultural exports generates additional economic activity. For instance, exporting grain not only supports on-farm activities but also stimulates manufacturing, trade, and transportation sectors. The USDA’s Economic Research Service (ERS) calculates these effects annually, providing a comprehensive view of agriculture’s economic footprint.
The Economic Impact of Agricultural Exports in 2026
In 2026, U.S. agricultural exports valued at $177.2 billion supported an additional $192.0 billion in economic activity, totaling $369.2 billion in economic output. This means that for every dollar of agricultural products exported, $2.08 of domestic economic activity was generated. Key contributors included soybean and corn bulk exports, valued at $38.2 billion which supported an additional $34.0 billion in economic activity. Similarly, bovine, chicken, and swine meat exports, valued at $21.1 billion supported an additional $35.5 billion.
The Employment Ripple Effect
The agricultural sector is a cornerstone of the U.S. economy, not only bolstering economic output but also serving as a key driver of employment. The process of exporting agricultural goods initiates a chain reaction of labor demands, creating widespread employment opportunities. From cultivating crops to facilitating their journey to market, each step supports jobs in manufacturing, services, trade, and transportation, extending far beyond the agricultural sector.
In 2026, U.S. agricultural exports supported 1.04 million jobs measured in full-time equivalents (FTEs). This translates to approximately 5,854 jobs for every $1 billion of agricultural products exported. Notably, the nonfarm sector benefited the most, generating around 607,800 jobs while on the farm, agricultural exports supported 429,600 jobs. The top 10 agricultural export product groups accounted for 45 percent of the total jobs supported by U.S. agricultural exports. Soybean and corn bulk exports alone supported about 179,500 jobs and bovine, chicken, and swine meat nonbulk exports supported 164,300 jobs.
The Role of Biodiesel in Agricultural Exports
The above numbers were calculated with the inclusion of biodiesel as an agricultural product, given that soybean oil is the largest feedstock for U.S. biodiesel production. Although biodiesel is not classified by the World Trade Organization (WTO) as an agricultural product, its inclusion adds about $0.8 billion to U.S. agricultural exports in 2026, bringing the total value to $177.2 billion. Without biodiesel, in accordance with the WTO definition for agricultural products, U.S. agricultural exports totaled $176.4 billion in 2026.
Understanding the Agricultural Trade Multipliers
The Agricultural Trade Multipliers estimates are derived from the Benchmark Input-Output tables published by the U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of Economic Analysis. These estimates are adjusted annually to account for changes in prices and labor productivity. The data includes detail on 124 agricultural products and product groups ranging from soybeans to essential oils, using the WTO’s definition of agricultural products. The multipliers are only for open multipliers at either the producer (farm or manufacturer) or port stage of export and are downloadable in machine-readable format.
For an example of how to use the Agricultural Multiplier data, please see the previously published ATM Infographic. Additional information about assumptions and methodology underlying the USDA, ERS Estimates, as well as a glossary, can be found on the Documentation page. A description of the machine-readable file is available in the readme file. Historical data for the previous 5 years of ATM data releases can be obtained by contacting the authors.
