Wisconsin has a long history of growing and making products, but these products aren’t just used in our state or just in the United States. Over the past five years, Wisconsin companies have exported to foreign countries an average of $21.6 billion worth of products. Not only do these international sales support jobs at local businesses, they also help grow the state’s economy by bringing money in from outside of the state, and the nation.
Take a look at some of Wisconsin’s top exports and which countries they go to. Some of the products – like milk and sausage – are ones you might expect, while others – like silica sands or lab reagents – are less well known.
Whey & Milk Products
Annual Exports: $114.6 million
Rank and Percentage of U.S. Total: 2nd | 17%
Top Export Destinations:
China: $36.6 million
Canada: $25.4 million
Japan: $8.9 million
Soybeans
Annual Exports: $158.8 million
Rank and Percentage of U.S. Total: 12th | 1%
Top Export Destinations:
Mexico: $55.8 million
Taiwan: $19.3 million
Thailand: $12.9 million
Sausages
Annual Exports: $138 million
Rank and Percentage of U.S. Total: 1st | 24%
Top Export Destinations:
Canada: $80 million
Japan: $31.4 million
South Korea: $9.1 million
Prepared or Frozen Cranberries
Annual Exports: $125.5 million
Rank and Percentage of U.S. Total: 1st | 46%
Top Export Destinations:
Netherlands: $25.1 million
Mexico: $13.6 million
China: $12.5 million
Silica Sands
Annual Exports: $172 million
Rank and Percentage of U.S. Total: 1st | 42%
Top Export Destinations:
Canada: $165.5 million
Mexico: $6.2 million
Composite Diagnostic/Lab Reagents
Annual Exports: $250.8 million
Rank and Percentage of U.S. Total: 9th | 3%
Top Export Destinations:
Germany: $62.3 million
Canada: $57 million
China: $23.3 million
Outboard Marine Engines
Annual Exports: $284.5 million
Rank and Percentage of U.S. Total: 1st | 72%
Top Export Destinations:
Belgium: $101 million
Canada: $52.2 million
Australia: $26.4 million
Civilian Aircraft, Engines and Parts
Annual Exports: $603.7 million
Rank and Percentage of U.S. Total: 25th | 0.5%
Top Export Destinations:
United Kingdom: $130 million
China: $98.4 million
Hong Kong: $67.4 million