Value of Exports as Percent of State Personal Income, 2008-12

Source: Washington State Economic Revenue Forecast Council
Dec. 2013 Economic Climate Study, p.59

Scroll over each state to see it’s top export and 50 state rank. Each time the page is refreshed, it will start an animation from 2008 to 2012. Or simply manipulate the years yourself using the toggle switch below.

International trade is a critical component of success in a modern economy where over 70% of the world’s purchasing power is located outside the United States. States that export more tend to grow more businesses, produce more jobs, and pay higher wages. Strong trade relationships reward Washington with both a regular inflow of new money and insulation from fluctuations in the local economy. Given Washington’s manufacturing prowess, its foothold in high technology service exports, and its strategic location as a gateway to markets across the Pacific, it is essential that the state invest in the programs and the infrastructure to facilitate stronger connections between Washington companies and foreign markets.

Data on export intensity comes from the Washington State Economic and Revenue Forecast Council’s 2013 Economic Climate Report. Data on the top export of each state is sourced from the US Census Bureau. Data visualizations were created using VIDA data visualization software, freely available at vida.io.