A barge heads toward the Port of Duluth melissamn / Shutterstock.com

Minnesota’s exports appear to be back on track. In 2021, the total value of the state’s exports hit $24 billion, marking a 17 percent increase over the prior year. Machinery, electrical equipment, and agricultural and mining resources helped lift Minnesota’s exports from the lull experienced in 2020 during the pandemic, according to the latest data from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). The state exported products to nearly 200 countries last year.

In total, Minnesota logged $56 billion in imports and exports last year, marking a 16 percent year-over-year increase. Of that total, imports accounted for about $32 billion, leaving the state with a 2021 trade deficit of around $9 billion, according to DEED.

“The continued rebound in the state’s exports is good news for Minnesota businesses, and the 112,000 Minnesotans whose jobs are supported by state exports,” said DEED Commissioner Steve Grove in a news release. “We’re heartened by this continued growth, but we know we must continue to do more to bring Minnesota goods to the global stage. We want the world to know: we build what matters in Minnesota.”

Minnesota’s exports to Canada grew by 36 percent, making it the top export market for the state. Exports to Mexico, meanwhile, grew by 27 percent.

Other growing export markets in 2021 the Philippines, China, and Ireland.

Minnesota ranked 22nd in the nation in exports, one spot lower than its 2020 results.

North America

Asia and Europe