International Exports

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Maine exports rose 10% in 2022, reaching their highest level since 2011.

Favorable movement since the last available data

Benchmark: Maine’s international exports will grow at a pace faster than U.S. international exports.

Overview Fig. A

Overview

Maine’s international exports rose 10% in 2022, continuing the growth that was interrupted by COVID in 2020. In all, Maine businesses exported $3.4 billion worth of goods abroad, the most since 2011. Nationwide, U.S. exports grew 18%.

Maine’s export gains and losses occurred across a range of industries. Seafood exports dropped $150 million (23%) likely due in part to China’s tariff on U.S. lobster, while sales of paper, aircraft parts, medical equipment, and chemical products all rose over 30%. Canada remains Maine’s leading trade partner, with $1.8 billion in exports in 2022, followed by China, Algeria, Malaysia, and the Netherlands.

Sales to customers in other states and countries provide valuable opportunities for Maine businesses. According to one estimate, exports account for about 1.6% of Maine businesses’ total sales (below the national rate of 3.4%). Sales made within Maine to international customers, such as those to foreign tourists and students, also provide injections into the state’s economy, but are not tracked.

 

 

 

Fig. A

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International Exports (Rolling Three-Year Average)

Maine International Trade Center, Camoin Associates