Washington's businesses are some of the most recognizable in the world, from Boeing to Microsoft to Starbucks. In addition, timber and agricultural exports Ð as well as one of the most trafficked ports on the west coast in Seattle Ð help Washington exports reach every corner of the globe. In 2017, these exports generated $77 billion and helped support over 830,000 good-paying Washington jobs.

• In Washington, 830,200 jobs (19.3%) are supported by trade, including 332,599 jobs supported by manufactured goods exports in 2016.¹
• In 2015, 12,211 companies exported goods from Washington of which 89% were small- and medium-sized enterprises. In 2015, 112,700 people were employed by affiliates of companies at least 50% foreign-owned.²

• Washington exported $77 billion in goods to foreign markets in 2017. Washington's largest markets in 2017 were:²
  • China ($18 billion)
  • Canada ($7.9 billion)
  • Japan ($5.4 billion)
  • United Arab Emirates ($4.1 billion)
  • South Korea ($3.2 billion)
• Agricultural exports are important to Washington's' economy, totaling $4 billion in 2016, according to the USDA.³
• Since 2013, the U.S. Export-Import Bank has financed $52 billion in exports from 143 companies in Washington.⁴
• Since 1971, the Overseas Private Investment Corporation has invested $485 million in Washington companies for overseas investment.⁵

• In 2015-2016, 6,599 Washington students studied abroad.⁶
• During 2017, 27,801 international students were enrolled in Washington colleges and universities and contributed $841 million to the Washington economy.⁶

• Since 1961, 9,683 Peace Corps volunteers from Washington have served in dozens of countries overseas.⁷

1. https://www.businessroundtable.org/resources/state-data#map=Benefits_of_International_Trade
2. https://www.trade.gov/mas/ian/statereports/index.asp
3. https://www.ers.usda.gov/data-products/state-fact-sheets.aspx#.U2ERwbQzqX8
4. http://customermap.exim.gov/index.cfm
5. https://www.opic.gov/sites/default/files/docs/OPIC_local_impact.pdf
6. https://www.iie.org/Research-and-Insights/Open-Doors/Fact-Sheets-and-Infographics/Data-by-State-Fact-Sheets
7. https://files.peacecorps.gov/documents/17_PRS_TopStates.pdf