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

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.