President Michael Gobber and CEO Jeff Baker joined Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker, Speaker of the Illinois House Emanuel “Chris” Welch and nearly 40 other delegates on a mid-July trade mission to the United Kingdom to promote educational, technological and economic cooperation.

“It was a privilege to help promote Illinois and its real estate opportunities to leading UK businesses looking to invest or expand in our state,” said Baker. “Real estate is a vital part of the Illinois economy and international economic development efforts strengthen all aspects of the industry, from commercial to residential.”

Baker serves on the board of directors for Intersect Illinois, a statewide economic development organization focused on bringing business and investment to Illinois.

Highlights of the trip included the Goodwood Festival of Speed where the governor discussed Illinois’ commitment to electric vehicles, as well as discussions with business and education leaders on enhancing economic cooperation. The trip ended with the Illinois and the United Kingdom delegations announcing their intent to advance trade and economic development goals in Illinois through a memorandum of understanding. Illinois- and United Kingdom-based energy companies pledged to create a net-zero energy future. Illinois is the first state in the Midwest to require carbon free energy by 2050.

Pritzker and members of the Illinois delegation touted the state’s talented workforce, world-class manufacturing, a booming electric vehicle ecosystem and ambitious clean energy goals.

“When I first ran for governor, I promised to be our state’s best chief marketing officer—letting the world know that Illinois is the best place to live, work, and do business,” Pritzker said.

Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Director Kristin Richards noted the trip would help build on $5 billion in bilateral trade between Illinois and the United Kingdom in 2022. Intersect Illinois CEO Dan Seals said he looks forward to further growth in the relationship between Illinois and the UK.

Exports are a Vital Part of Illinois’ Economy

• Illinois exports exceeded $78 billion in 2022 with the preliminary agricultural adjusted figure reaching $82.2 billion, both all-time highs
• Illinois is the largest exporting state in the Midwest and the 5th largest in the nation
• 19 out of the top 20 export industries increased since 2021
• Since 2009, Illinois exports have increased by $36.55 billion, or 87.8%
• Export activities support over 800K jobs in Illinois

Total Trade between Illinois and United Kingdom in 2022

• Illinois exports to United Kingdom totaled $1.94 billion in 2022
• United Kingdom is Illinois’ 9th largest export market
• Illinois ranks 10th among the 50 U.S. states in exports to United Kingdom
• Illinois imports from United Kingdom totaled $3.14 billion in 2022, a 139.8% increase since 2009.
• United Kingdom is Illinois’ 13th largest import market
• Illinois ranks 6th among the 50 U.S. states in imports from United Kingdom