Introduction. An essential component of regional economics of the South of Russia (including North-Caucasus Federal District) constitutes an agricultural sector as the core of agro-industrial complex. This factor is decisive in the formation of a system of internal economic relations of regions and their international economic activity. For scientific support of the strengthening and stable growth of the welfare of the subject of the Federation, it seems important to pay attention to the study of the source of this welfare - the regional foreign economic potential. The purpose of the article is to study the impact of agricultural exports on the foreign economic potential of Stavropol Region and to develop a set of measures aimed at strengthening the influence of this factor. Methods. The paper is based on literature review of state and prospects in regional agriculture and agro-industrial complex in general, using the example of a subject of the North Caucasus Federal District - the Stavropol Region. The authors relied on works published in scientific publications. The selection of sources was carried out in scientometric databases using search queries containing synonymous constructions. Results. The article analyses the dynamics of foreign economic activity of economic entities in Stavropol Region over the past five years. A comprehensive study of international economic potential of the region and its agro-industrial complex is presented. We formulated the main directions and organizational measures in improving the international economic activity of Stavropol Region taking into account the main state regulator in the study area - the Ministry of Economic Development of Stavropol Region. Conclusions. The export of agricultural products is one of the most important factors in strengthening and developing the international economic potential of Southern regions of Russia, and requires special attention from the state regional authorities.