Gov. Kay Ivey announced Monday that Alabama businesses exported $27.4 billion worth of goods and services in 2023, setting a new annual record for the second year in a row and highlighting the resiliency of the state's economy.

Exports last year increased 6% from the previous year's total of $25.5 billion, according to data from the Alabama Department of Commerce. Compared to 2020, when the pandemic disrupted international trade, Alabama's exports jumped by about 43%.

Last year's record export activity was driven by increased overseas shipments of Alabama-made automobiles, aerospace parts, minerals and metals, according to commercial data.

“Exports serve as a fundamental economic pillar supporting Alabama's growth, driving both new investment and job creation at home,” Governor Ivey said. “The record success of our nation's exporters has expanded the reach of the 'Made in Alabama' brand to reflect the high demand for domestically produced products.”

Alabama's exports went to 190 countries around the world in 2023, landing everywhere from the world's largest economies to smaller places like the Solomon Islands, Palau and Gibraltar, according to Commerce data.

Last year, Alabama's top export destinations were:

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. Korea: $1.2 billion (up 15%)

Alabama's other major export destinations in 2023 were Japan, Brazil, Poland, India and Saudi Arabia, according to commercial data.

“This second consecutive year of export records highlights the fact that businesses across Alabama continue to provide the highest quality goods and services demanded by customers around the world,” said Alabama Department of Commerce Secretary Ellen McNair. ” “Looking to the future, there is potential for further export growth, and we are already opening new and expanding markets for Alabama companies.”

Overseas shipments of automobiles drove a surge in Alabama's exports in 2023, reaching an annual total of $11.5 billion, an increase of approximately 28% from the previous year, a record high. According to commercial data, Alabama's main export destinations for cars were Germany, China and Canada.

Overall, transportation equipment, including automobiles, auto parts, marine and aerospace products, remains Alabama's No. 1 export category, with a total value of $14.8 billion. Notably, exports of aerospace products and parts last year exceeded $2.1 billion, an increase of 23 percent year-on-year.

Other categories with exports exceeding $1 billion in 2023 include minerals and ores ($2.2 billion), chemicals ($2.2 billion) and primary metals ($1.8 billion), according to Commerce Data. Ta.

“It's really rewarding to see the hard work of Alabama businesses,” said Christina Stimpson, director of the Department of Commerce's Bureau of International Trade. “Despite geopolitical challenges, their dedicated efforts have allowed us to see a second year of record success. As our company finds opportunities overseas, we strengthen our local communities.” will have a real impact.

“Export growth means economic growth,” Stimpson added.

The Department of Commerce's Bureau of International Trade provides resources to help Alabama businesses enter lucrative new foreign markets through trade and business development missions, training, foreign market intelligence, and international contacts.

The firm is a partner in Export Alabama, a seamless network of international trade organizations that share a fundamental purpose of helping Alabama businesses expand internationally.