Michigan’s preeminence in manufacturing and industrial research & development make it the ideal home for exportbased industries, and its strategic location offers easy access to Asian, European, and North and South American markets. Overall, Michigan exported $61.1 billion worth of goods in 2022, with international trade supporting more than 1.1 million good-paying Michigan jobs.

Job Creation

  • In Michigan, 1,118,900 jobs were supported by international trade in 2019, representing 19.4% of all jobs in the state.1,2
  • In 2020, 13,861 companies exported goods from Michigan of which 88% were small- and medium-sized enterprises. In 2018, 318,400 people were employed by affiliates of companies at least 50% foreign-owned.3,4

Exports and Growth

  • Michigan exported $55.5 billion in goods to foreign markets in 2021, a 25% increase compared to 2020 driven by continued economic recovery from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the global economy.5
    • Canada ($26.3 billion)
    • Mexico ($11.7 billion)
    • China ($2.6 billion)
    • Germany ($1.9 billion)
    • South Korea ($1.5 billion)
  • Agricultural exports are important to Michigan's' economy, totaling $4 billion in 2020, according to the USDA.6
  • Since 2014, the U.S. Export-Import Bank has financed $3 billion in exports from 160 companies in Michigan.7
  • Since 1992, the U.S. Trade and Development Agency has helped facilitate $116 million in exports from Michigan companies.9

Education and Research

  • During 2020, 27,657 international students were enrolled in Michigan colleges and universities and contributed $696 million to the Michigan economy.10

Global Engagement

  • Since 1961, 7,743 Peace Corps volunteers from Michigan have served in dozens of countries overseas.11