St. Paul, MN - Minnesota exports of goods declined to $6.3 billion in the first quarter 2025, slipping 6% compared to the first quarter of 2024, according to data released by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). While overall U.S. exports grew a modest 3% during this period, Minnesota was among 20 states nationwide – and eight of the 12 Midwest states – that saw declines or near zero growth in exports.

"On-again, off-again tariffs issued unilaterally by the Trump Administration continue to cause significant uncertainty and concern for Minnesota companies in planning their business strategies, including importing and exporting. This quarter, Minnesota saw exports fall to Canada and Mexico, illustrating the risks posed to our state if the federal government wages a trade fight with our two biggest trading partners," said DEED Commissioner Matt Varilek. "We are closely tracking these developments and working with our business community to attempt to manage the impact of tariffs and potential countermeasures from our trading partners."

Category performance

Global sales for eight of Minnesota's top 10 exported products fell in the first quarter, led by vehicles (down 25%), cereals (down 63%, including corn and wheat) and optic, medical goods (down 5%). However, strong performances by mineral fuels, oils (up 4%) and plastics (up 4%), as well as dairy, eggs, honey (up 85%, driven by eggs) and oil seeds, misc. grain (up 36%, driven by soybeans), helped support the state's exports.

Geographic performance

North American exports dropped ($2.8 billion, down 7%), as sales slumped to Minnesota's top two export markets, Canada (down 3%) and Mexico (down 16%). Increased demand for Minnesota goods in the Middle East (up 12%) and in European markets outside the EU (up 17%) partially offset overall sharp declines in demand from Asia, the EU markets overall (down 5%) and Australia (down 31%).

"Amid the ongoing changes in federal economic policies and foreign countermeasures, we want to assure Minnesota companies and our global trade partners that Minnesota is open for business," said Minnesota Trade Office (MTO) Executive Director Gabrielle Gerbaud. "MTO continues to focus on pursuing international growth opportunities and helping Minnesota companies expand their reach and make new connections in foreign markets."

The full first quarter 2025 report is available on DEED's website in the Export and Trade Statistics section.