Midwestern States Lead Nation in Trade Intensity, Fed Report Shows

CHICAGO – Several of Illinois’ neighbors are among the most trade-intensive states in the country. The Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago assessed the values of states’ imports and exports as shares of gross domestic product. Michigan ranked first with a trade-intensity measure of nearly 33%. Indiana, Iowa and Wisconsin were also among the leaders. According to the Chicago Fed, trade intensity is driven by manufacturing, natural resources and mining.