In the latest episode of “Talking Trade,” DATCP Secretary Randy Romanski highlights the state’s $3.99 billion in food, forestry and ag exports last year, the third-highest annual total in Wisconsin history.
The total for 2025 was down from $4.03 billion in 2024 and below the record-high of $4.22 billion in 2022, according to the latest export figures from the agency.
Despite the decline last year, Romanski noted agricultural and food exports from Wisconsin end up in 150 different countries around the world.
“The good news is that the diversity, quality, reliability of Wisconsin products continues to be recognized around the world,” he said.
Meanwhile, the discussion also explores how exporters are grappling with the challenge of tariffs, as Romanski points to the unpredictability and uncertainty facing these businesses. He argued Wisconsin products will win out with an even playing field, but said the tariffs are disrupting this marketplace.
When asked if the lower exports last year were due to tariffs, Romanski said that “certainly plays a factor,” noting market losses in China in particular.
“There are substantial losses in China, our exports are down about 33% to China,” he said, pointing to impacts in soybeans, ginseng and even bovine genetics. “China has historically been a very big market for bovine genetics, and Wisconsin is the number one exporter … so all these things kind of cascade on each other.”
Romanski also noted “sizable losses” in Canada, though exports to Mexico have seen some improvement over the year. Amid these changes, he stressed the importance of seeking new markets for Wisconsin exports.
“It’s really valuable that we continue to find and develop those additional markets that we’ve gotten to,” he said.
The conversation also touches on impacts from the war in Iran, state funding for export initiatives, assistance for exporters and more.
Talking Trade is sponsored by the Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin, Michael Best Strategies and Carroll University, which will host an April 22 event on tariffs. Register here.
