Minnesota Exports Slide in First Quarter

(KNSI) – Minnesota exporters are facing headwinds as the amount of goods being sent to other countries from our state fell in the first quarter.

Exports were down 6%, led by vehicles and cereal. The Walz Administration is blaming the president’s tariff policies for the drop. Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development Director Matt Varilek says, “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.”

Exports were down in the European Union, Australia, and our two neighbors. This was partially offset by better demand for Minnesota products in the Middle East and non-EU countries in Europe.

Minnesota still shipped $6.3 billion of products globally through the end of March.

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