Massachusetts’ world-class workforce and educational institutions make the state a key exporter of cutting-edge technology. Massachusetts’ medical equipment, high tech instruments, and industrial machinery are in high demand across the globe, with Massachusetts' exports totaling $35.2 billion in 2023.

Job Creation

  • In Massachusetts, 1,046,200 jobs were supported by trade, representing 21.2% of all jobs in the state.1,2
  • In 2022, 10,372 companies exported goods from Massachusetts of which 89% were small- and medium-sized enterprises. In 2021, 228,000 people were employed by affiliates of companies at least 50% foreign-owned.3,4

Exports and Growth

  • Massachusetts exported $35.2 billion in goods to foreign markets in 2023, an 8% increase compared to 2022. Massachusetts’s largest markets were:5
    • Belgium ($4.9 billion)
    • China ($3.3 billion)
    • Canada ($3.3 billion)
    • Mexico ($2.7 billion)
    • Germany ($2.3 billion)
  • Agricultural exports are important to Massachusetts’ economy, totaling $225.5 million in 2022, according to the USDA.6
  • Since 2014, the U.S. Export-Import Bank has financed $2 billion in exports from 109 companies in Massachusetts.7
  • The Millennium Challenge Corporation has provided $120.3 million in funding to Massachusetts organizations since the agency's inception in 2004.8
  • Since 1992, the U.S. Trade and Development Agency has helped facilitate $1.3 billion in exports from Massachusetts companies.9

Education and Research

  • From 2022-2023, 79,751 international students were enrolled in Massachusetts colleges and universities and contributed $3.6 billion to the Massachusetts economy.10

Global Engagement

  • Since 1961, 8,763 Peace Corps volunteers from Massachusetts have served in dozens of countries overseas.11