JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KFVS) – Missouri Gov. Mike Parson traveled overseas Monday for a five-day trade mission in the United Kingdom and Belgium, two nations that received a combined $637 million in Missouri exports in 2023, according to state data.

“Trade Missions are the perfect opportunity for us to continue to promote our state as a prime business destination,” Parson said in a press release. “The United Kingdom and Belgium are key trade partners and the home of leading companies already making significant investments in Missouri. We look forward to strengthening existing relationships with businesses while encouraging new partnerships with those considering growing here in the Show-Me State.”

Parson’s visit to the U.K. coincides with the Farnborough International Airshow, an event that draws some of the largest companies in the aerospace industry.

Parson’s team said the Republican is scheduled to meet with executives of various companies, including Boeing, Leonardo, and Sonaca, all of which have facilities in Missouri.

Parson will also meet with Karen Pierce, the British Ambassador to the United States, at the airshow.

“We know Aerospace has a very significant footprint in Missouri, not just in terms of the industry investment, but also our workforce, who are employed by aerospace-related companies,” said Kara Corches, Interim President of Missouri Chamber of Commerce & Industry.

In Brussels, Parson is scheduled to meet with executives of food and beverage manufacturing giant Anheuser-Busch InBev, as well as Duvel Moorgat and Whitebridge Pet Brands.

Duvel Moorgat owns Boulevard Brewing in Kansas City, which employs approximately 240 people in the state and boasts an annual revenue of approximately $488 million.

Exports from Missouri to other countries between the first quarter of 2023 and the first quarter of 2024 rose 3.8 percent, totaling just under $4.5 billion, according to the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center. Canada, Mexico, and Germany were the top three recipient countries and made up over half of all Missouri’s export income.

Meanwhile, exports to Israel grew by the largest percentage, 672%, during the same time period, followed by Belgium, which saw an 88% increase, and India, which increased by 60%.

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