Kansas maintained a $2.6 billion goods exporting to China in 2022, the highest recorded value for the state, culminating in China surpassing Canada as the state’s second-largest global trading partner. This marks a significant rebound from the trade war slump averaging at just $900 million. While Kansas maintained a consistent total export value, it is noteworthy that the state, renowned as the “Air Capital of the World” with aerospace products ranking as its third-largest export to China, the world’s largest aviation market, experienced a significant decrease in this sector in 2022. Since 1981, Kansas has fostered a robust relationship with sister state Henan, which celebrated its 40th year in 2021. Chinese Americans in Kansas are instrumental in promoting cultural and educational exchanges between their state and China. But the high-profile case around former University of Kansas professor Feng Tao, who was implicated in the now-closed China Initiative, continues to dampen the enthusiasm of Chinese scholars on campus as he appealed the last charge against him that has not been dropped. Educational exchanges between Kansas and China took a hit during the pandemic like many other Heartland states but have since recovered some despite the growing negativity towards China among its politicians. Fort Hays State University and Sias University in Henan have had a very successful joint degree program since 2000, contributing millions of dollars to the economy of Kansas. In 2023, the University of Kansas announced a new program offering degrees at Zhejiang Normal University, drawing criticism from the state government. 

Kansas maintained a $2.6 billion goods exporting to China in 2022, the highest recorded value for the state, culminating in China surpassing Canada as the state’s second-largest global trading partner. This marks a significant rebound from the trade war slump averaging at just $900 million.

2021’s total exporting revenue is also up from 2018’s low of just $900 million during the trade war which saw Kansas take a 25% hit from 2017 to 2018. The state’s primary exports to China are oilseeds and grains, and meat products–two industries which have suffered under tariffs and now in turn have benefited from a recent surge in Chinese purchasing.

 While Kansas maintained a consistent total export value, it is noteworthy that the state, renowned as the “Air Capital of the World” with aerospace products ranking as its third-largest export to China, the world’s largest aviation market, experienced a significant decrease in this sector in 2022.

Kansas is positioning itself to grow as a manufacturing state through its Attracting Powerful Economic Expansion Act (APEX) Bill, designed to attract new companies to the state that make $1 billion or greater by offering tax credits, reimbursement on payroll and employee training as well as exemptions for sales and property taxes. Kansas holds a strong connection to China through both its sister-state relationship with Henan province, as well as its many active cultural associations. In 2021, Kansas and Henan celebrated the 40th anniversary of their sisterhood, holding a virtual ceremony and exchanging commemorative pieces. In 2022, said cultural associations held many cultural festivals such as Dragon Boat races; one Kansas City based organization hopes to develop a Chinese Garden in their city similar to the Chinese Garden of Friendship brought to Wichita through their sister city Kaifeng. When Henan Province was affected by severe flooding in July 2021, Kansas City Chinese American Association organized sustainable funding for financial and education support for a school damaged during the flood.

Chinese Americans in Kansas are instrumental in promoting cultural and educational exchanges between their state and China. But the high-profile case around former University of Kansas professor Feng Tao, who was implicated in the now-closed China Initiative, continues to dampen the enthusiasm of Chinese scholars on campus as he appealed the last charge against him that has not been dropped.

Educational exchanges between Kansas and China took a hit during the pandemic like many other Heartland states but have since recovered some despite the growing negativity towards China among its politicians. Fort Hays State University and Sias University in Henan have had a very successful joint degree program since 2000, contributing millions of dollars to the economy of Kansas. In 2023, the University of Kansas announced a new program offering degrees at Zhejiang Normal University, drawing criticism from the state government. 

This data and content is updated periodically. The most recent update was January 2024.