The Alabama Department of Commerce announced that more than $26.8 billion of goods and services were exported in 2024, which was down slightly from the previous year. This ranks 2024 as the second highest annual tally for worldwide shipments from the state.
The value of 2024’s exports dropped 2% from the previous year’s total of $27.4 billion; but the 2024 total was nearly 30% higher than the figure for 2019.
Alabama exported goods to 201 countries in 2024, with the top destinations of Canada at $4.3 billion, Mexico at $4.2 billion, China at $4.1 billion, Germany at $4.1 billion and Japan at $880 million. Other leading destinations included South Korea, India, Brazil and the United Kingdom.
“From automobiles and aerospace components to chemicals and advanced manufacturing products, Alabama-made goods are reaching markets around the world, fueling economic growth at home,” said Commerce Secretary Ellen McNair. “By expanding our global trade footprint, we are not only increasing opportunities for our businesses but also reinforcing Alabama’s reputation as a leader in innovation and high-quality production.”
Topping last year’s exports were transportation equipment, which includes motor vehicles, auto parts, ships and aerospace products. This category totaled $13.7 billion, a drop of 8% from the previous year. Of that total, motor vehicles made up $10.7 billion, with top destinations being Germany, China, Canada, Mexico and South Korea.
Rounding out the other top exports were minerals and ores at $2.5 billion, primary metals at $2.2 billion and chemicals at $2.1 billion.
Commerce’s Office of Global Business offers resources to help Alabama companies enter new overseas markets through trade and business development missions, training, foreign-market information and international contacts.
