Illinois has seen significant amounts of economic growth in 2024. In particular, Illinois doubled private investments from $6.3 billion in 2023 to $12.5 billion, quadrupling the number of retained jobs. Illinois also doubled company investments in the clean energy economy from $2 billion to $4 billion and achieved significant growth in key sectors including quantum computing, record-breaking tourism, and exports.

Aside from this, Illinois has grown to become the top exporting state in the Midwest. Additionally, Illinois is ranked fifth in the nation for its export sales. Illinois experienced another record-breaking year with export sales over $78.7 billion in 2023.

Illinois is home to many airports, railways, and shipping ports, which give companies a direct way to move their products all across the globe. Since 2019, Illinois exports have increased by 32%.

In 2023, products for Illinois were exported to 219 countries with Canada and Mexico being the largest trading partners. The diversity of markets allows Illinois businesses to mitigate risks associated with reliance on a single market and capitalize on opportunities across different regions.

In June, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity leadership joined Governor JB Pritzker on a trade mission in Canada to participate in the 2024 U.S.-Canada Summit and meet with key government leaders as well as business leaders in quantum, finance, electric vehicles, technology, and other growing sectors. Pritzker also led a trade mission to Japan in October. During the visit, the governor secured a business expansion with Sysmex America, Inc. in Northeastern Illinois – creating 110 new jobs and retaining nearly 550.