Minnsights Blog

Trade is a fundamental driver of Minnesota’s economy. Our state has a long history of developing innovative products and bringing them to markets around the world. In 2024, Minnesota’s exports topped $30 billion — accounting for more than 6% of the state’s GDP and supporting an estimated 750,000 jobs. Minnesota companies also depend on access to global supply chains, particularly for critical inputs that aren’t easily grown, extracted or produced domestically.

It’s been an interesting week, with some whiplash around tariffs and ongoing trade challenges with our global partners. The pause this week by President Trump comes as a bit of a relief, but the broader conversation around trade and tariffs will certainly continue.

Last spring, the Minnesota Chamber Foundation’s Grow Minnesota! program surveyed businesses across the state to better understand the factors driving expansion and investment activities. The 2024 State of business retention and expansion report found that Minnesota faces economic headwinds shared by the entire country such as interest rates and inflation, but the state also faces unique difficulties like an exceptionally tight labor market and a challenging business climate. Over time these factors will slow growth, but the report points out that we can capitalize on our opportunities and leverage our strengths to improve productivity and spur innovation.

I'm coming to you this week after the conclusion of this year's Minnesota Chamber-hosted Business Day at the Capitol. This is an annual program where business leaders from across the state – our members, local chambers, and other trade associations – gather at the Capitol to meet with and learn about key issues facing the business community.

It has been a busy week at the Capitol and a busy week here. This week, I am traveling to western Minnesota to meet up with the Leaders Lab Program. Now in its 10th year, the Leaders Lab program is designed to provide leadership skills to Minnesota business leaders and emerging business leaders. Our time in Willmar has been going well, with visits to the dairy and pork industries and a stop at Minnesota’s MinnWest Technology Campus, an exciting hub of emerging technology critical for future growth.