Montgomery, AL – Governor Kay Ivey proudly declared this week that Alabama has achieved yet another milestone in its economic resilience, with the state’s companies exporting goods and services totaling over $27.4 billion in 2023. This marks the second consecutive year of breaking records, showcasing the robustness of Alabama’s economy in the face of global challenges.
According to data released by the Alabama Department of Commerce, the value of last year’s exports surged by 6% compared to the previous year, reaching $27.4 billion, up from $25.5 billion. Remarkably, when contrasted with the disruptions of 2020 due to the pandemic, Alabama’s exports experienced an impressive 43% growth.
Governor Ivey emphasized the importance of exporting as a fundamental economic pillar, supporting growth, new investments, and job creation within Alabama. She stated, “The record-breaking success of our exporters extends the reach of the ‘Made in Alabama’ brand while reflecting the high level of demand for our homegrown products.”
AS explained by the Governor’s office, the stellar performance in export activity was driven by increased shipments of Alabama-made vehicles, aerospace parts, minerals, and metals, as indicated by Commerce data. Alabama’s export footprint expanded globally in 2023, reaching 190 countries, including both major economies and smaller locales like the Solomon Islands, Palau, and Gibraltar.
The top destinations for Alabama exports in 2023 were as follows:
1. Germany: $5.1 billion (up 17%)
2. Canada: $3.9 billion (down 2%)
3. China: $3.8 billion (up 15%)
4. Mexico: $3.2 billion (up 16%)
5. South Korea: $1.2 billion (up 15%)
Additionally, other leading export destinations included Japan, Brazil, Poland, India, and Saudi Arabia, according to Commerce data.
Secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce, Ellen McNair, highlighted the significance of this achievement, stating, “This second consecutive record year for exports really highlights the fact that companies across Alabama continue to provide top-quality goods and services that are sought by customers worldwide.”
Overseas shipments of motor vehicles played a pivotal role in the surge, reaching a record annual total of $11.5 billion, a nearly 28% increase from the previous year. Transportation equipment, including motor vehicles, auto parts, ships, and aerospace products, remained Alabama’s leading export category at $14.8 billion. Notably, exports of aerospace products and parts exceeded $2.1 billion, reflecting a 23% increase from the previous year.
Other major export categories in 2023 included minerals and ores ($2.2 billion), chemicals ($2.2 billion), and primary metals ($1.8 billion), according to Commerce data.
Christina Stimpson, Director of Commerce’s Office of International Trade, commended Alabama companies for their dedication, emphasizing that despite geopolitical challenges, their hard work contributed to a second year of record-breaking success. Stimpson stressed the impact of international opportunities on local communities, stating, “Growth in exports means growth in our economy.”
Alabama’s Office of International Trade continues to support companies in exploring new overseas markets through trade missions, training, foreign-market information, and international contacts. The office collaborates with Export Alabama, a seamless network of international trade agencies, to help Alabama companies expand their business globally.
