Hawaii’s economy dependes on its export of tropical plants and products, such as coffee, pineapples, and papaya, which are in demand across the U.S. and the world. Exporting $700 million worth of goods in 2022, Hawaii’s international trade supports nearly 205,000 jobs in the state.

Job Creation

  • In Hawaii, 204,600 jobs were supported by international trade in 2019, representing 22.0% of all jobs in the state.1,2
  • In 2020, 647 companies exported goods from Hawaii of which 87% were small- and medium-sized enterprises. In 2018, 41,900 people were employed by affiliates of companies at least 50% foreign-owned.3,4

Exports and Growth

  • Hawaii exported $320 million in goods to foreign markets in 2021, the same compared to 2020.5
    • Singapore ($263 million)
    • Japan ($102 million)
    • Hong Kong ($77 million)
    • Bangladesh ($35 million)
    • South Korea ($28 million)
  • Agricultural exports are important to Hawaii's' economy, totaling $374 million in 2020, according to the USDA.6
  • Since 2014, the U.S. Export-Import Bank has financed $19 million in exports from 6 companies in Hawaii.7
  • Since 1992, the U.S. Trade and Development Agency has helped facilitate $8.2 million in exports from Hawaii companies.9

Education and Research

  • During 2020, 3,422 international students were enrolled in Hawaii colleges and universities and contributed $104 million to the Hawaii economy.10

Global Engagement

  • Since 1961, 1,483 Peace Corps volunteers from Hawaii have served in dozens of countries overseas.11