In 2017, which commodity was the top U.S. agricultural export?

The correct answer is soybeans, which was the top U.S. agricultural export in 2017. This prominence of soybeans can be attributed to several factors, including high global demand, especially from countries like China. In that year, U.S. soybean exports benefitted from favorable price conditions and the growing need for protein-rich animal feed, which soybeans provide. This robust market demand allowed the U.S. to maintain its position as a leading exporter of soybeans, reflecting both agricultural productivity and strategic trade relationships.

In contrast, while corn, wheat, and rice are also important agricultural exports, their global demand and export volumes did not reach the levels that soybeans achieved in 2017. Corn and wheat had more localized demand influences, often related to domestic consumption and global production variables, while rice typically has a smaller export market compared to the substantial volumes seen in soybean exports. Thus, soybeans led the exports for that year, highlighting its critical role in U.S. agriculture.