MONTGOMERY, Alabama – May is World Trade Month, and recently released data on Alabama’s exports underscore the importance of global trade to the state’s economy. It also highlights momentum behind efforts to diversify and expand the state’s international reach.

Alabama companies exported goods and services worth $23.7 billion in 2025, the Department of Commerce announced today. The state expanded its global footprint into 190 countries, powered by growing aerospace shipments and rapid gains in emerging markets, including India and Vietnam. 

The data also holds promising signs for future growth, including a strong showing in aerospace exports and robust performance in markets such as Australia and Saudi Arabia.

“Exports are a key driver of economic growth throughout Alabama, supporting thousands of jobs and communities,” Commerce Secretary Ellen McNair said. “It is crucial that we continue to provide the support companies need to find new markets for their products worldwide and connect them with decision-makers who will help them be successful.”

The 2025 total represents a 12% decline from the previous year amid a global downturn in the automotive sector and a weakening market in China with a 52% drop, but the report highlights Alabama’s diversified markets and its positioning for long-term growth.

“While global automotive demand softened in 2025, Alabama continued building momentum in high-growth sectors such as aerospace while expanding opportunities in emerging international markets,” McNair said. “These trends reinforce the importance of diversifying the state’s export portfolio and supporting companies as they compete globally.”

Earlier this month, Governor Kay Ivey honored a diverse group of exporters, ranging from aerospace to agriculture, for their success in global markets. She also signed a proclamation designating May World Trade Month.

“…At least 4,000 companies in the state are exporters,” the proclamation said. “They create great Made-in-Alabama products, which demonstrates to the global marketplace just how innovative and competitive Alabama companies are.” 

One key advancement over the past year, according to Commerce’s report, is the expansion of Alabama’s international business development office network, strengthening the state’s presence in key global markets and enhancing support for companies pursuing export opportunities abroad, McNair said.

The offices are part of an ongoing strategy to expand export opportunities, attract foreign direct investment and build profitable partnerships in key global markets.

“Our substantial auto exports business means that swings in the global industry will certainly be seen in our numbers,” McNair said. “But our strong advanced manufacturing foundation is helping to propel more companies in aerospace and other high-growth industries in growing their export business.”

Alabama’s top export industry last year was transportation equipment with $11.4 billion in shipments. This broad category includes motor vehicles, which declined nearly 23%, and aerospace products, which grew 12%. 

Other top export industries were chemicals and primary metals ($1.9 billion each); and minerals and ores ($1.6 billion). 

Canada remains the top export destination for Alabama exports, with $4.3 billion in 2025. That was followed by Mexico ($4 billion); Germany ($3.4 billion); China ($2 billion); and India ($870 million).

Overall, Alabama exports were shipped to 190 countries. 

Meanwhile, Alabama imports totaled $34.9 billion in 2025, down nearly 10% from the previous year. Mexico was the top source of imports to the state, with a total value of $6.5 billion. South Korea, Germany, Canada and China rounded out the top 5.

Christina Stimpson, Chief Officer of Commerce’s Office of Global Business, said 2025 was a reset year for Alabama’s trade position.

With nearly half of exports tied to transportation equipment, any downturn in the global auto sector has an outsized impact on the state’s performance, Stimpson added.

“The encouraging signal is that diversification is gaining real momentum – particularly in aerospace and fast-growing markets like India and Vietnam. While still in the early stages, this progress positions Alabama to build a more resilient and balanced export portfolio.”

Alabama exports to India jumped 51% last year, making it a new placement among the state’s top five export markets. The growth was driven by increased shipments of transportation equipment – largely aerospace products and parts – and minerals and ores.

Growth in minerals and ores, along with transportation equipment and paper exports, helped propel a nearly 72% increase in exports to Vietnam. 

In other growth markets, exports to Saudi Arabia and Australia jumped by 48% and 47%, respectively.

Commerce’s Office of Global Business assists companies in entering new markets worldwide, offering services such as business development missions, training, foreign market information, and international contacts.

The office is part of Export Alabama, a collaborative network of international trade agencies.