State Exports at $21 Billion in 2017
April 9, 2018
Sales jump 8 percent from previous year
ST. PAUL – Minnesota businesses exported $21 billion worth of agricultural, mining and manufactured products in 2017, an 8 percent jump from the previous year, according to figures released by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). U.S. exports increased 7 percent during the same period.
Asian markets top the state’s export list, surpassing $7 billion in sales (up 10 percent). This growth was fueled by Japan (up 30 percent) and China (up 10 percent). Korea, Pakistan, Taiwan, Vietnam and India also had impressive gains in sales of $15 million or more.
Exports to North America were up 5 percent to $6.7 billion. Ores/slag/ash and machinery exports drove growth in Canada. Cereals and vehicle parts grew strongly to Mexico.
“Exports continue to be a vital part of our state’s economy, supporting nearly 118,000 jobs in Minnesota,” said DEED Commissioner Shawntera Hardy. “After suffering export losses in 2016, Minnesota companies have bounced back by exporting 1,053 different products to 203 different countries in 2017.”
Canada was the state’s largest national export market in 2017, accounting for $4.3 billion in sales (up 5 percent).
Other top markets were Mexico ($2.4 billion, up 4 percent), China ($2.4 billion, up 10 percent), Japan ($1.3 billion, up 30 percent), Germany ($887 million, up 16 percent), South Korea ($849 million, up 3 percent), Belgium ($661 million, down 10 percent), United Kingdom ($589 million, up 4 percent), Singapore ($562 million, down 2 percent), and Netherlands ($502 million, up 36 percent).