As of 2026, Indiana's biggest export is transportation equipment, led by motor vehicles and parts, contributing over $16 billion to the state’s economy annually.
What are Indiana’s two main exports?
Indiana’s two main exports are motor vehicles and machinery.
These two sectors sit at the top of Indiana’s export game. In 2025, motor vehicles alone brought in nearly $14 billion, while machinery exports topped $11 billion, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. That’s no surprise—Indiana’s got a serious manufacturing muscle, with major automotive plants and high-tech factories dotting the landscape. Honestly, this is what the state does best.
What are the top 3 exports?
Indiana’s top three exports are motor vehicles, machinery, and pharmaceuticals.
Motor vehicles take the crown with over $14 billion in annual exports. Machinery rolls in at $11+ billion, and pharmaceuticals add another $7+ billion to the mix. Data from the Indiana Department of Health and trade reports show these three categories alone make up nearly 60% of the state’s total goods exports. Not bad for a state that’s not even in the top 10 by population.
What does Indiana import?
Indiana imports a wide range of goods, including pharmaceuticals, machinery, and electronics.
In 2024, the state brought in over $65 billion worth of imports. The biggest sources? Ireland, Canada, China, and Germany, per the Bureau of Economic Analysis. Think prescription drugs, industrial machinery, and computer components—all stuff that keeps Indiana’s factories humming and hospitals stocked. Without these imports, the state’s economy would hit a serious snag.
Who does Indiana trade with?
Indiana trades primarily with Canada, Mexico, and China.
Canada’s Indiana’s biggest customer, taking in over 35% of the state’s exports in 2025. Mexico and China aren’t far behind, with strong ties in automotive parts, farm products, and industrial gear. Germany and the UK are also stepping up, especially when it comes to pharmaceuticals and machinery. The Indiana International Trade Division is basically the matchmaker making these deals happen.
What is Indiana’s biggest industry?
Indiana’s biggest industry is manufacturing, particularly advanced manufacturing.
Over 550,000 people work in manufacturing here, and the sector pumps more than $100 billion into the state’s GDP every year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. We’re talking motor vehicles, pharmaceuticals, and machinery—Indiana’s got the factories, the workforce, and the reputation. Companies like Eli Lilly, Cummins, and Subaru call this place home, and honestly? That’s why Indiana’s economy is as solid as it is.
What is Indiana’s major products?
Indiana’s major products include motor vehicles, pharmaceuticals, corn, soybeans, and mint.
This state doesn’t just punch above its weight in industry—it does the same in agriculture. Indiana’s the top producer of mint oil in the U.S., and it’s a major player in corn and soybeans too. Hog and dairy production are big here too. Between the farm fields and the factory floors, Indiana’s basically feeding and fueling the country. The USDA even ranks Indiana as the 5th largest agricultural exporter in the nation.
What is America’s number 1 export?
As of 2026, America’s number one export is processed petroleum oils.
Processed petroleum oils—gasoline, jet fuel, and the like—generated over $80 billion in export revenue in 2025. That’s thanks to the U.S. shale boom and all those refineries working overtime. The U.S. Census Bureau keeps track of this stuff, and it’s been the top export for years, beating out crude oil and transportation equipment.
What is America’s #1 export?
America’s number one export is transportation equipment.
Transportation equipment—cars, planes, parts, you name it—accounts for nearly 18% of total U.S. exports, totaling over $250 billion annually. This isn’t just about selling vehicles; it’s about the jobs, the supply chains, and the innovation that come with it. The International Trade Administration has called this the leading export since 2020, and honestly? It’s not hard to see why.
Which country exports the most?
As of 2026, China exports the most goods globally.
China ships out over $2.7 trillion in goods every year, according to the World Trade Organization. The U.S. comes in second with about $1.6 trillion. These numbers aren’t just big—they’re a reflection of China’s massive manufacturing base and how export-driven both economies are. It’s a global game, and China’s playing it better than anyone right now.
What is Indiana known for?
Indiana is known for motor sports, basketball, agriculture, and manufacturing.
This state’s got identity for days. The Indianapolis 500? The biggest single-day sporting event on the planet. Basketball? The NCAA’s headquarters calls Indiana home. Agriculture? Flat, fertile land makes it a farming powerhouse. And manufacturing? We’ve already covered that. Indiana’s got the speed, the spirit, the soil, and the smokestacks—it’s the Crossroads of America in every sense.
What does Indiana export to Qatar?
Indiana exports chemicals, electrical equipment, and transportation equipment to Qatar.
Trade between Indiana and Qatar hit over $200 million in 2025, and it’s growing. The U.S. Commercial Service is helping make these connections, with Indiana shipping chemicals, electrical gear, and transportation equipment south. In return? Qatar sends back reimported products and forestry materials. Energy-related equipment could be the next big thing in this trade relationship.
What are Indiana’s natural resources?
Indiana’s natural resources include coal, natural gas, limestone, sand, and gravel.
Indiana’s got a solid lineup of natural assets. Coal reserves are significant, and the state’s a major limestone producer—perfect for construction and manufacturing. Sand and gravel? Mined like crazy for roads and buildings. The Indiana Department of Natural Resources keeps an eye on all this extraction to make sure it’s done right. These resources aren’t just sitting there—they’re the backbone of Indiana’s economy.
What is the main export of Iowa?
Iowa’s main export is soybeans.
In 2025, Iowa shipped out $3.8 billion worth of soybeans, making it the top soybean exporter in the U.S., per the Iowa Department of Agriculture. Corn and pork exports are big too. Altogether, Iowa’s agricultural exports top $10 billion annually. That’s not just feeding America—it’s feeding the world, and it keeps rural economies thriving.
How many farmers are in Indiana?
As of 2026, Indiana has over 90,000 farmers.
The average farmer here is 55.5 years old, and together they manage over 15 million acres of land. More than 80% of Indiana is farmland, forest, or woodland. The USDA ranks Indiana among the top 10 agricultural states in the nation. That’s a lot of boots on the ground—and a lot of crops in the ground too.
Which country did Indiana export the most products to last year?
In 2025, Indiana exported the most products to Canada.
Canada took in 34.9% of Indiana’s total exports—over $14 billion worth of goods, according to the Indiana International Trade Division. Mexico and China were next with 13.4% and 5.5%, respectively. This trade isn’t just about dollars—it’s about jobs, supply chains, and keeping Indiana connected to the wider world.
Edited and fact-checked by the MeridianFacts editorial team.