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

Michigan's top export destinations in 2009 were Canada, Mexico, China, Germany and Japan. In addition, the 27 nations of the European Union, taken as a single market, comprise Michigan's third-largest export destination.

U.S. sales abroad were $1.06 trillion in 2009. Top export categories were transportation equipment including vehicles and parts, fuels, aircraft, spacecraft and parts; computers and electronics; chemicals; and machinery. Michigan accounted for 8.5% of total U.S. vehicle-related exports. 

Michigan businesses exported goods worth $32.6 billion to 231 markets worldwide in 2009. 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  2009 (Billions of Dollars) Vehicles, Parts 14.1 Chemicals 3.5 Machinery 3.1 Primary Metal Mfg. 2.1 Computers, Electronics 1.7 Oil, Gas 1.4 Fabricated Metal Products 1.0 Food, Food Products 1.0 Plastics and Rubber Products 0.7 Electrical Equipment, Appliances  0.7

 

Michigan Top 40 Export Markets 2009 (Millions of Dollars) 1. Canada 15,750   21. Thailand 147 2. Mexico  5,225 __ 22. Argentina 145 3. China  1,368   23. Sweden  139 4. Germany  1,259   24. Afghanistan  120 5. Japan  1,240   25. Russia  119 6. Saudi Arabia  568   26. Kuwait  106 7. United Kingdom  545   27. Spain  101 8. Belgium  517   28. Israel  99 9. Korea, Republic  506   29. Colombia  98 10. France  434   30. Malaysia  92 11. Venezuela  429   31.  Austria  85 12. Brazil  415   32. Chile  75 13. Netherlands  382   33. Ireland  71 14. Australia  259   34. Philippines  69 15. Singapore  197   35. Indonesia  67 16. Hong Kong  181   36. South Africa 62 17. Taiwan  179   37. Lebanon  59 18. India  172   38. Ecuador  58 19. U Arab Emirates  167   39. Poland 49 20. Italy  157   40. Switzerland  48       Total Exports  32,554

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.