As the largest state in the US in terms of land mass, Alaska is also heavily involved in international trade – something many in the lower ’48 may overlook. Here is a quick summary of its international trade in terms of exports and imports.
Alaska is a major contributor to exports for the United States:
Alaska exported $5.58 billion in goods to the world in 2022
40th largest exporter in the US
Over 70% are small and medium-sized companies (SMEs)
The largest buyers of Alaska exports are China, Japan, and Canada. In 2019, Alaska exported $605 Million to Canada and Mexico, accounting for 12 percent of Alaska’s total exports to the world.
Alaska exports some $582 Million to Canada, 12 percent of Alaska’s exports to the world.
A sampling of the goods exported by Alaska:
Seafood (pollack, salmon, crab, cod, just to name a few)
Mineral ores (including zinc, lead, and gold)
Crude oil
Animal feed
Fish fats and oils
Wood
Alaska is a significant Importer to the United States:
2022 Alaska imported $3.75B, making it the 48th largest importer out of the 53 importers in the US.
In 2022 top imports of Alaska were: light petroleum distillates ($1.89B), parts and accessories of data processing ($413M), communication apparatus (excluding telephone ($156M), petroleum spirit for motor vehicles ($134M), and copper ores and concentrates ($122M).