Michigan Economic Development Corporation

Reference

International

Foreign Direct Investment in Michigan

The number and prestige of international firms with operations here confirm the maturity and international strength of the Michigan economy. There are 3,760 divisions, affiliates and subsidiaries in the state representing over 40 countries and encompassing all industry and service sectors.

Germany leads in the number of operations in Michigan. Japan is the 2nd-largest international investor in the state, while investment from the United Kingdom ranks 3rd. Canada and Netherlands rank 4th and 5th, respectively. 

Michigan has experienced business attraction specialists servicing the Canadian, German and Japanese markets. These specialists work to promote Michigan as an attractive location for firms seeking expansion into the North American market.  

International Operations in Michigan 

Germany 610
Japan 549
U.K. 512
Canada 500
Netherlands 476
France 295
Other 818
Total 3760
Source: Dunn & Bradstreet

 

Top Exports and Markets

The state's top export destinations are Canada, Mexico, Germany, Japan and China. In addition, the 27 nations of the European Union, taken as a single market, comprise Michigan's fourth-largest export destination.

U.S. sales abroad of $1.3 trillion in 2008 reflected an increase of 11.8% over the previous year. Top export categories were industrial machinery and computers; electronics; vehicles and parts; fuels; aircraft, spacecraft and parts; optics, photographic and surgical instruments; and plastics. Michigan accounted for 16.2% of total U.S. vehicle-related exports. 

Export sales of $44.9 billion by Michigan businesses to 200 markets worldwide reflected an increase of 0.7% over the previous year. The state's preeminence in manufacturing and dominance in industrial R&D make it the ideal platform for export-based industries, while its strategic location offers easy access to the Asian, European and North and South American markets. 

 

Michigan Top 10 Exports by Industry 
2008
(Billions of Dollars)

Vehicles, Parts

18.1

Industrial Machinery, Computers

6.1

Coal, Petroleum, Natural Gas

3.4

Plastics

2.2

Electronics

1.9

Instruments, Optics

1.3.

Iron, Steel

1.0

Office Furniture

1.0

Chemicals

0.9
Iron, Steel Articles  0.7

 

Michigan Top 40 Export Markets
2008
(Millions of Dollars)

1. Canada

23,807

  21. Hong Kong

196

2. Mexico

 6,415

__ 22. Italy

192

3. Germany

 1,562

  23. Singapore

 189

4. Japan

 1,438

  24. Thailand

 187

5. China

 1,288

  25. Spain

 166

6. Saudi Arabia

 841

  26. Sweden

 162

7. United Kingdom

 694

  27. India

 157

8. France

 627

  28. Switzerland

 136

9. Korea, Republic of 

 622

  29. Israel

 127

10. Venezuela

 563

  30. Chile

 123

11. Belgium

 532

  31.  South Africa

 111

12. Netherlands

 490

  32. Colombia

 97

13. Brazil

 439

  33. Malaysia

 96

614. U. Arab Emirates

 389

  34. Benin

 96

15. Russia

 365

  35. Turkey

 90

16. Australia

 358

  36. Ireland

77

17. Kuwait

 240

  37. Indonesia

 77

18. Austria

 235

  38. Philippines

 75

19. Argentina

 229

 

39. Qatar

72

20. Taiwan

 208

  40. Lebanon

 69

        Total Exports

 44,871

 

Source: WISER; U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census.

 

Services and Assistance Available

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation has experienced international trade specialists on hand to help Michigan companies gain or expand access to markets worldwide. They are available to:

  • Deliver export assistance, including direct company support.
  • Coordinate export assistance services with economic developers and trade associations.
  • Provide referrals to public/private marketing organizations statewide.

 

Contact Information for the MEDC's Michigan Business Representatives Worldwide

HeadquartersUnited States Headquarters
Michigan Economic Development Corporation
International Development
300 N. Washington Square
Lansing, Michigan 48913
Phone: 517.335.5975
Fax: 517.241.3689
Email: internationaldevinfo@michigan.org

 

ChinaChina
Yvonne Warmbier-Ramp, Director
State of Michigan
U.S. Commercial Center, Shanghai Center
1376 Nan Jing Xi Lu, Suite 631
Shanghai 200040
PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA
Phone: 011.86.21.6279.7640
Fax: 011.86.21.6279.7649
E-mail: michigan@uninet.cn

 

EuropeEurope
Martina Schlagwein
European Business Development Manager
300 N. Washington Square
Lansing, Michigan 48913
Phone:  517.241.2880
Fax:  517.241.3689
E-mailschlagweinm@michigan.org

 

JapanJapan
Ken Masumoto
Japanese Business Development Director
300 N. Washington Square
Lansing, Michigan 48913
Phone:  517.241.1375
Fax:  517.241.3689
E-mailmasumotok@michigan.org

 

Export Related Michigan Companies

MEDC maintains a searchable database of Michigan-produced goods and services and a directory of international business service providers online:
  • a searchable directory of Michigan Export Businesses, currently exporting or interested in exporting, and
  • Export Service Providers that can assist you with specific needs related to exporting your product.