Minnesota businesses exported $22.2 billion worth of goods in 2019, a 2 percent drop from the previous year, according to the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development.
The drop comes after a record-setting year in 2018 when state exports hit $22.7 billion. Much of the decline is reflected in imports to China, which fell 9 percent, according to the agency. Exports to Asia overall fell 5 percent.
“International exports are a critically important part of Minnesota’s economy, accounting for billions of dollars in revenue and thousands of jobs,” DEED Commissioner Steve Grove said.
The United States and China spent much of the year in a tit-for-tat on trade policy.
Minnesota was the nation’s 21st largest importer in 2019, a drop from ranking 20th the year before. The state was 23rd in 2017.
WHERE DID IT GO?
Minnesota’s largest export markets were:
- Canada, $4.7 billion
- China, $2.5 billion
- Mexico, $2.4 billion
- Japan, $1.5 billion
- Germany, $1.1 billion
WHAT DID THEY WANT?
Minnesota’s top exported products were:
- Optics and medical goods, $4.6 billion
- Machinery, $3.4 billion
- Electrical equipment, $2.9 billion
- Plastics, $1.4 billion
- Vehicles, $1.3 billion.
