Arizona companies exported a record amount of goods in 2023, Governor Hobbs announced in her International State of the State address. Exports grew to $28.79 billion in 2023, a 5.5% increase ($1.5 billion) over the previous year. Arizona’s growth bucks the trend for the U.S., which saw exports decrease by 2.2% in 2023.
“A testament to the strength and diversity of the Arizona economy, skilled workforce, and the global-mindedness of Arizona companies, Arizona exports in 2023 were at an all-time high of over $28 billion,” said Governor Katie Hobbs during her International State of the State address. “It’s clear that Arizona is making its mark on the international stage and furthering its leadership as the epicenter of American manufacturing.”
Arizona punches well above its weight across multiple export categories, including ranking:
- 8th in aerospace parts and products with $6 billion exported,
- 7th in electrical equipment and components with $1.2 billion exported,
- 4th in semiconductor and other electronic components with $4.1 billion exported, and
- 1st in metal ores with $2.3 billion exported.
Arizona’s top export countries in 2023 included Mexico ($8 billion), Canada ($2.7 billion), the Netherlands ($1.7 billion), China ($1.6 billion), and the United Kingdom ($1.4 billion).
“Arizona’s consistent export growth is a reflection of our state’s strong and growing base of manufacturers, especially small and mid-sized businesses,” said Sandra Watson, President and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA). “With high-tech manufacturing facilities going up across our state, including battery, semiconductors, automotive, aerospace, and more, we can expect exports to continue to climb.”
The ACA’s 2018 Business Plan set a goal of growing exports by 25% over the following five years, a goal the state met and exceeded.
The ACA’s International Trade team works to increase Arizona exports by delivering to Arizona companies concrete and user-friendly export assistance programs. The ACA is recognized as a national and international leader for its international trade initiatives and assistance to Arizona businesses – primarily small and medium-sized companies.
ACA Export assistance programs include:
- The Arizona State Trade Expansion Program (AZSTEP) – AZSTEP helps Arizona small businesses to enter export markets for the first time or to expand into new markets through a number of services and tools.
- The ExporTech Program – The ExporTech program is designed and delivered for Arizona manufacturers, supporting their development of concrete, actionable export plans.
- International Trade Offices – The ACA operates foreign trade and investment offices authorized by the Legislature, which provide export assistance to Arizona companies in the following regional and country markets: Europe; Mexico; Israel; and Asia.
More information about Arizona’s international trade programs can be found HERE.
