Minnesota exports of agricultural, mining and manufactured goods totaled $5.7 billion in the third quarter of 2025, a 14% decline from the same period last year, according to data released by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development.
The $964 million year-over-year drop was driven largely by a sharp fall in mineral fuel and oil exports to Canada, Minnesota’s largest trading partner. Shipments in that category fell by more than $500 million compared with the third quarter of 2024, with exports totaling about $16 million. The products primarily included refined fuels such as motor gasoline.
Other major export categories also posted notable declines, including machinery, which fell 11%, and vehicles, which dropped 20%.
“Mineral fuel and oil exports to Canada again had a significant impact on Minnesota’s exports in the third quarter,” DEED Commissioner Matt Varilek said in a statement. “Federally imposed tariffs and strained international relations with our traditional partners also continue to impact Minnesota’s trade with our biggest export markets.”
Varilek added that the state continues outreach efforts to support trade relationships, citing a recent business development mission to Ireland and a trade mission to Germany and Switzerland.
Exports to Mexico and China, Minnesota’s second- and third-largest export markets, declined by more than 20% each during the quarter.
In contrast, exports to Europe showed strength, rising 7% to $1.3 billion. Germany, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Turkey and Italy posted the largest gains, with Switzerland and Turkey seeing increases of 46% and 60%, respectively. Minnesota businesses also reported growth in exports to the Middle East, up 11%, and Africa, up 6%.
Several product categories demonstrated resilience despite the broader downturn. Exports of electrical equipment rose 2%, while aircraft and spacecraft shipments increased 3%. Fertilizers climbed 39%, and agricultural-related products including dairy, eggs and honey surged 69%. Miscellaneous edible preparations increased 46%.
“Our state’s international trade community has faced a tremendous level of uncertainty over the past year due to fluctuating tariff policies,” said Gabrielle Gerbaud, executive director of the Minnesota Trade Office. “We continue to focus on strengthening international partnerships and supporting Minnesota companies as they pursue global growth opportunities.”
The full third-quarter 2025 export report is available on DEED’s website in the Export and Trade Statistics section.
DEED serves as Minnesota’s primary economic development agency, overseeing business development, workforce initiatives, international trade and community development efforts statewide.
