Idaho’s computer and electronics goods led the states exports in 2022, generating $900 million dollars. Strong ties to Asian economies are also driving export growth in Idaho, with international trade supporting more than 203,000 jobs in the state.

Job Creation

  • In Idaho, 203,500 jobs were supported by international trade in 2019, representing 19.0% of all jobs in the state.1,2
  • In 2020, 1,635 companies exported goods from Idaho of which 86% were small- and medium-sized enterprises. In 2018, 19,300 people were employed by affiliates of companies at least 50% foreign-owned.3,4

Exports and Growth

  • Idaho exported $3.8 billion in goods to foreign markets in 2021, a 12% increase compared to 2020 driven by continued economic recovery from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the global economy.5
    • Canada ($1.6 billion)
    • Taiwan ($511 million)
    • Singapore ($260 million)
    • China ($212 million)
    • Japan ($205 million)
  • Agricultural exports are important to Idaho's' economy, totaling $2.6 billion in 2020, according to the USDA.6
  • Since 2014, the U.S. Export-Import Bank has financed $134 million in exports from 24 companies in Idaho.7
  • Since 1992, the U.S. Trade and Development Agency has helped facilitate $69 million in exports from Idaho companies.9

Education and Research

  • During 2020, 3,230 international students were enrolled in Idaho colleges and universities and contributed $64 million to the Idaho economy.10

Global Engagement

  • Since 1961, 1,481 Peace Corps volunteers from Idaho have served in dozens of countries overseas.11