PHOENIX, Ariz. (Mar. 2, 2026) — Arizona strengthened its position as a leading global economic hub in 2025, fueled by record international trade growth and foreign direct investment that generated thousands of new jobs and more than $1 billion in new international capital investment statewide.
State officials announced that Arizona exports surged from $32.4 billion to $44.4 billion in 2025 — a 37% increase and the second-fastest export growth rate in the nation, significantly outpacing overall U.S. export growth of 5.7%.
Global Partnerships Drive Economic Momentum
Arizona’s expanding international relationships played a central role in the state’s economic performance. Taiwan surpassed both Canada and China to become Arizona’s second-largest trading partner, behind Mexico, with total bilateral trade exceeding $21.2 billion.
Since 2020, Arizona has led the nation in international investment attraction, with more than $195.7 billion in announced foreign direct investment (FDI) projects.
“Arizona has emerged on the world stage as a global economic powerhouse, leading to more family-sustaining jobs and generational opportunity for Arizonans,” said Governor Katie Hobbs. “We are setting the pace for innovation and technological progress and proving what’s possible when we lead boldly.”
Sandra Watson, President and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority, added that the state’s performance reflects years of strategic global engagement.
“Our record-setting trade and investment reflect a bold strategy and strong partnerships that continue to create jobs, innovation, and opportunity across Arizona,” Watson said.
Advanced Industries Lead Export Growth
Arizona ranked among the nation’s top exporters across several advanced manufacturing and technology sectors in 2025:
- No. 1 — Metal Ores: $2.7 billion exported (↑ 19.9%)
- No. 3 — Computer Equipment: $9 billion exported (↑ 205%)
- No. 5 — Semiconductor & Electronic Components: $6.3 billion exported (↑ 84%)
- No. 8 — Navigational & Electromedical Instruments: $2.4 billion exported (↑ 14%)
- No. 10 — Aerospace Parts & Products: $5.6 billion exported (↑ 4.3%)
Arizona’s top export markets included:
- Mexico — $14.6 billion
- Taiwan — $4.5 billion
- Canada — $2.8 billion
- Netherlands — $2.4 billion
- Germany — $1.6 billion
Imports and Supply Chain Activity Accelerate
Arizona imported $57.4 billion in goods in 2025, representing a 36% increase year over year. Leading import partners included Taiwan, Mexico, China, Malaysia, and Canada — reflecting Arizona’s growing role within global semiconductor and advanced manufacturing supply chains.
Nation’s Leading Destination for International Investment
According to fDi Markets, Arizona attracted 55 foreign direct investment projects in 2025 alone, totaling $107.7 billion in capital investment and more than 25,000 projected jobs.
Top source countries for international projects included:
- Japan — 15 projects
- Canada — 14 projects
- Taiwan — 7 projects
Business leaders credited Arizona’s sustained growth to long-term collaboration between public and private sectors.
“Arizona’s growth in global trade reflects years of smart policy and a business climate that gives companies confidence to invest, hire, and expand,” said Danny Seiden, President and CEO of the Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry.
About the Arizona Commerce Authority
The Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) is the state’s leading economic development organization, focused on attracting new investment, supporting business expansion, and helping entrepreneurs launch and grow companies across targeted industries to strengthen Arizona’s long-term economic competitiveness.
