Author: Steven Deller, Professor, Agricultural & Applied Economics
The current administration’s trade policies, including tariffs on key partners, have sparked renewed focus on the role of foreign exports in Wisconsin’s economy. Since 2010, Wisconsin’s exports have grown by 39%, or $7.7 billion, reaching a total of $27.5 billion in 2024 and accounting for 8.1% of the state’s GDP. In comparison, U.S. share of GDP attributed to exports was 10.9% in 2024.
The state’s top export market is Canada, accounting for $7.9 billion (29% of total exports), up 31.2% from 2010. Mexico follows closely with $4.4 billion (16% of exports), showing a dramatic 116.7% increase over the same period. Exports to China, by contrast, make up just 6% of the state’s exports, and Germany accounts for 4%.
Specific exports to Canada from the state include machinery ($655.4 million), converted paper products ($532.5 million), and plastic products ($514 million). Wisconsin’s exports to Mexico are dominated by motor vehicle parts ($373.3 million), electrical equipment ($318.4 million), and plastics ($286.7 million), with a modest $72,000 in fruits and tree nuts.
Using the 4-digit NAICS classification, the state’s largest export category is Agriculture, Construction, and Mining Machinery Manufacturing, which accounted for $1.76 billion in state exports in 2024. Wisconsin-based companies such as BouMatic, known for robotic milking technology, are major contributors. The state also exported $1.75 billion in Computer Equipment, including products from firms such as Titan of Sturtevant. Dairy Products rank 13th among Wisconsin exports, totaling $669.9 million (2.4% of total exports).
With 201 countries involved in Wisconsin’s exports, from major markets like Canada and Mexico to smaller partners like Gibraltar and Bhutan, it’s clear that trade policies will continue to shape the state’s economy.
