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St. Paul, MN (KROC-AM NEWS) - Minnesota-made goods were shipped to other countries last year at a level that exceeded the state’s exports in 2019 before the start of the pandemic.

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development today reported the value of agricultural, mining, and manufactured products exported from the state in 2021 totaled about $24 billion. DEED officials say that is up 17 percent when compared to 2020 and was above the export valuation total from 2019.

"The continued rebound in the state's exports is good news for Minnesota businesses - and the 112,000 Minnesotans whose jobs are supported by state exports," said DEED Commissioner Steve Grove. "We're heartened by this continued growth, but we know we must continue to do more to bring Minnesota goods to the global stage. We want the world to know: we build what matters in Minnesota."

The biggest gains for Minnesota exports last year involved other North American customers. Exports to Canada increased 36 percent, while shipments to Mexico were up 27 percent. The report indicates shipments of Minnesota goods to Asia increased 8 percent and exports to Europe rose 11 percent. Asian exports were comparable to pre-pandemic levels but the European shipments were still down about 7 percent when compared to 2019.

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Minnesota's total trade with other countries reached $56 billion in 2021, which was up 16 percent from 2020 and 8 percent from 2019. Despite the increase in exports, Minnesota still had a trade deficit of about $9 billion last year.

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