Global Demand, Sector Strengths & O’Hare’s Rise Keep Illinois Trade Resilient Amid Shifting Markets

As September winds down, this week’s WBC Business Pulse newsletter—prepared by the WBC Research Team—focuses on one of Chicagoland’s most powerful economic engines: trade and exports.

With October marking National Manufacturing Month, it’s an ideal moment to highlight how the Chicagoland region’s global connectivity— drives jobs, investment, and opportunity across our region.

At the center of this story is O’Hare International Airport, which was just ranked the #1 most connected airport in the United States and #7 worldwidein the 2025 OAG Megahubs Index.

The recent recognition of O’Hare as the #1 most connected airport in the U.S. and #7 worldwide reinforces what we know well: Chicago’s aviation strength is not only a point of pride, but a competitive advantage that drives global commerce, investment, and tourism.

• Read more about O’Hare International Airport’s latest ranking here.

Exports: An Engine for Economic Growth

Studies point to the overwhelming conclusion that exports – getting products made in the region to international markets – are a leading way to grow the economy.

Why?

• Exporting connects economies to increased market access, ultimately bringing “new money” into an economy.
• Increased net exports are correlated with increased GDP, a measure of economic activity.
• Export-oriented policies have been shown to allow economies to operate more efficiently and maximize production.
• Export-focused economies will leverage economies of scale, leverage technology to better compete, and create jobs in related sectors.

And important to note: there is a high degree of correlation between both increased exports and imports. Despite increased use of tariffs, studies show that there is no systematic link between bigger trade deficits and slower economic growth.

From Chicago to Shanghai: Exports Fuel Our Growth

Chicagoland and Illinois’ position as a leading exporter is supported by its advanced supply chain infrastructure, international airport connectivity, and strong base in high-value manufacturing sectors.

Export growth has outpaced the nation over the past twenty years. Since 2004, export value from Illinois has increased 170% compared to 153% nationally. Exports being shipped abroad through O’Hare increased 208% in that same time frame.

Illinois; exports reach over 217 global markets, with Canada and Mexico as the largest export markets, followed by Europe, Asia, and Australia.Key Midwest competitors – Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, and Wisconsin – each export significantly less in total manufactured goods than Illinois, especially in categories where we lead.

By the Numbers: Illinois Exports on the Rise

The latest data underscores the scale and diversity of products reaching international markets.

• Illinois exported $81.8 billion in goods in 2024, a 3.9% increase over 2023.
• Manufactured products accounted for $73.8 billion, led by chemicals ($15.7B), machinery ($12.7B), and computer/electronic products ($9.9B).
• O’Hare International Airport handled $79.7 billion in exports in 2024, up 7.5% year-over-year.
• Top exports through O’Hare were pharmaceuticals ($18.0B), nuclear reactors/boilers/machinery ($13.8B), and medical/optical instruments ($11.8B).

Tariffs Test Global Trade, but O’Hare Exports Take Off

Exports from O’Hare International Airport are proving resilient to these disruptions.

Export value through O’Hare International Airport through July 2025 was $52.5 billion, a 17.2% increase from 2024.

Driving the increase are increased values of organic chemicals, as well as more exports in plastics and machinery, especially to economies like Italy, Japan, and the United Kingdom.

However, through July 2025 Illinois’ export value was $46.6 billion, a -1.2% decrease from the same period in 2024, compared to an increase of 4.6% nationally. This decrease is largely driven by the decline in agricultural product exports.

Global Demand Keeps Illinois Competitive

Despite tariffs and international trade rebalancing, Illinois manufacturing firms continue to benefit from strong global demand, access to a robust supply chain, and advanced sector strengths in chemicals, machinery, and electronics. Maintaining diverse international partnerships and investing in the workforce, infrastructure, and innovation will be key to sustaining this competitive position.

O’Hare International Airport is a vitally important hub of international commerce. Trade connectivity with Europe and Asia continues to expand, with high-value chemicals, machinery, and pharmaceuticals driving much of the growth. Strategic implications to continue capitalizing on increased exports and trade through O’Hare could include:

• Partnership development: Strengthening partnerships with top export markets in Europe and Asia could push additional growth opportunities and resiliency in trade flows. → World Business Chicago’s relationships with 28 Sister Cities and over 90 consulates, as well as a robust FDI attraction strategy, position Chicago and the region to be competitive in the global market.
• Improved facilitation and infrastructure: Streamlining customs procedures for key goods, like chemicals, as well as increasing logistics and airport capacity could further position O’Hare as the best U.S. gateway for these goods.

The O’Hare Modernization Program has already increased capacity and improved efficiency with new and reconfigured runways.

Sources:

• SIUE Internal Trade Center
• The Chicago Council on Global Affairs
• Office of the United States Trade Representative
• Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity
• U.S. Trade, Census Bureau
• St. Louis Federal Reserve Bank
• World Bank
• Tufts University

This edition is authored by the WBC Research Center—your source for data-driven, fact-checked, original insights trusted by executives, investors, and civic partners. From export trends to sector deep dives and labor market intelligence, our team produces the decision-ready analysis leaders use to plan, invest, and grow in Chicagoland.

Have an idea for a future Business Pulse topic? Send us a DM—we’d love your input. And if you know a company considering expansion or relocation, connect them with us the same way.

Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) – O’Hare & Midway International Airports

WBC Research Center: Hannah Loftus Himashi Jayasundera Bridget Harney Wendy Wu Justine Ingram Kali Aloisi