Minnesota: Facts and Figures

Minnesota’s global competitiveness is growing rapidly thanks to its established presence in markets in North America and Europe, initiatives in China and India, and growing business in emerging markets throughout the world. Minnesota's exports generate about $41 billion annually, supporting more than 750,000 good-paying Minnesotan jobs.

Job Creation

  • In Minnesota, 750,000 jobs were supported by trade, representing 20.0% of all jobs in the state.1,2
  • In 2023, 7,946 companies exported goods from Minnesota, of which 85% were small- and medium-sized enterprises. In 2022, 159,400 people were employed by affiliates of companies at least 50% foreign-owned.3,4

Exports and Growth

  • Minnesota exported $41 billion in goods and services to foreign markets in 2023. 5
    • Canada ($8.3 billion)
    • China ($4.2 billion)
    • Mexico ($4.1 billion)
    • Ireland ($1.9 billion)
    • Japan ($1.9 billion)
  • Agricultural exports are important to Minnesota's economy, totaling $9.1 billion annually, according to the USDA.6
  • Since 2014, the U.S. Export-Import Bank has financed $1 billion in exports from 133 companies in Minnesota.7
  • Since 1992, the U.S. Trade and Development Agency has helped facilitate $428 million in exports from Minnesota companies.9

Education and Research

  • From 2023-2024, 14,975 international students were enrolled in Minnesota colleges and universities, contributing $488 million to the Minnesota economy.10

Global Engagement

  • Since 1961, 6,929 Peace Corps volunteers from Minnesota have served in dozens of countries overseas.11