🔒CT exports surged 10% in 2024, as lawmakers propose trade commissions to broaden international trade efforts

Connecticut international exports surged by nearly 10% in 2024, and now lawmakers are looking to broaden the state’s global business ties with the formation of two new trade commissions. 

According to recently published data by the U.S. Census Bureau and U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Connecticut exports to foreign countries totaled $17.4 billion in 2024, up 9.69% from $15.4 billion in 2023.

Last year’s total was the highest annual exports the state has recorded since 2018. 

The state’s top export trade partners remained unchanged in 2024 — Canada was the top export destination, with goods totaling $2.3 billion. That was followed by Germany ($1.8 billion), Mexico ($1.67 million) and China ($1.5 billion). 

The top products that Connecticut exported were manufacturing goods, including aerospace products and parts, industrial machinery and other general purpose machinery, according to the International Trade Administration.

Conversely, Connecticut international imports totaled $22.7 billion in 2024, up 3.41% from a year earlier. That was the highest total of international imports since at least 2018, federal data shows. 

The state’s top import trade partners were Canada, Mexico, Germany and the Netherlands, and the vast majority of goods were manufacturing products, International Trade Administration data shows. 

While exports have increased in Connecticut for four consecutive years, it’s unclear how 2025 will play out, given that foreign trade has been a major focus area for the Trump administration. 

President Trump on Monday imposed a 25% tariff on all steel and aluminum imports into the United States. And last week Trump imposed a 10% tariff on all Chinese imports to the U.S. 

Trade commissions

Meantime, the state legislature’s Commerce Committee is holding a public hearing Tuesday on bills that propose to establish two separate trade commissions.

House Bill 6450 would establish a Connecticut-Taiwan Trade Commission, while House Bill 5008 would create a Connecticut-Puerto Rico Trade Commission.

In an effort to strengthen international business ties last year, state lawmakers approved the creation of a new trade commission between Connecticut and Ireland. 

According to an early version of the bill, the Connecticut-Taiwan Trade Commission would advance bilateral trade and investment, initiate joint action on policy issues of mutual interest and promote business and academic exchanges between both parties. 

The commission would also encourage mutual economic support and investment between Connecticut and Taiwan. 

The bill has been introduced by three Democratic lawmakers — Reps. Kevin Ryan, Aundre Bumgardner and Gregory Haddad — and Republican Rep. Christie M. Carpino. 

In 2024, Taiwan was Connecticut’s 14th-largest export trade partner, federal data shows. The state shipped $294 million in goods to Taiwan last year, while Taiwan shipped $215 million in goods to Connecticut.

The Connecticut-Puerto Rico Trade Commission would serve the same functions, according to the bill, and was introduced by three House Democrats: Reps. Christopher Rosario, Juan R. Candelaria and Geraldo C. Reyes.

Connecticut has a large Puerto Rican population. In fact, Puerto Ricans are the largest Hispanic group in Connecticut, with close to 300,000 residents in the state, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.