Arizona Rises as Global Economic Force
Adero Canyon in Fountain Hills

ACA logo. Photo provided by Metro Phoenix Alliance.

AZ Leads Nation in International Investment

According to the Arizona Commerce Authority, Arizona’s expanding global partnerships drove record trade and investment in 2025. The state generated more than $1 billion in foreign direct investment and created thousands of new jobs. Exports surged from $32.4 billion to $44.4 billion, a 37% increase — the second-fastest growth rate in the nation. By comparison, total U.S. exports rose just 5.7%. Taiwan became Arizona’s second-largest trading partner behind Mexico, with total trade exceeding $21.2 billion. Since 2020, Arizona has led the nation with more than $195.7 billion in announced international investment. The state also ranked among the top U.S. exporters in key advanced industries, including metal ores, computer equipment, semiconductors, aerospace parts, and precision instruments. Top export markets included Mexico, Taiwan, Canada, the Netherlands, and Germany. State and business leaders credited the growth to long-term strategy, strong public-private collaboration, and a competitive business climate that continues to attract global capital and innovation.

Arizona’s strong international ties fueled record-breaking trade and investment in 2025, creating thousands of new jobs and driving more than $1 billion in foreign direct investment.

Exports by Arizona companies surged from $32.4 to $44.4 billion – a 37% increase and the second fastest growth in the nation. By comparison, U.S. exports grew by 5.7%.

Key Trade Highlights:

  • Taiwan surpassed Canada and China to become Arizona’s second-largest trading partner (behind Mexico), with more than $21.2 billion in total trade.
  • Arizona leads the nation in international investment, with more than $195.7 billion announced since 2020.

“Arizona has emerged on the world stage as a global economic powerhouse, leading to more family-sustaining jobs and generational opportunity for Arizonans,” said Governor Katie Hobbs. “I’m proud that Arizona is setting the pace for innovation and technological progress and proving what’s possible when we lead boldly.”

“Arizona’s global prominence has never been greater,” said Sandra Watson, President and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority. “Our record-setting trade and investment reflect a bold strategy and strategic partnerships, leading to more jobs, innovation, and opportunity for communities across our state.”

“Arizona’s growth in global trade didn’t happen by accident. It reflects years of smart policy, collaboration between the public and private sectors, and a business climate that gives companies the confidence to invest, hire, and expand here,” said Danny Seiden, President and CEO of the Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry. “These record trade gains underscore why a competitive, predictable environment matters.”

Expanding Trade 

Arizona ranked among the top U.S. exporters in multiple advanced industries:

  • 1st for Metal Ores, with $2.7 billion exported (↑ 19.9%)
  • 3rd for Computer Equipment, with $9 billion exported (↑ 205%)
  • 5th for Semiconductor and Other Electronic Components, with $6.3 billion exported (↑ 84%)
  • 8th for Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical and Control Instruments, with $2.4 billion exported (↑ 14%)
  • 10th for Aerospace Parts and Products, with $5.6 billion exported (↑ 4.3%)

Arizona’s top export countries in 2025 included Mexico ($14.6 billion), Taiwan ($4.5 billion), Canada ($2.8 billion), the Netherlands ($2.4 billion), and Germany ($1.6 billion).

Arizona imported $57.4 billion worth of goods in 2025, a 36% increase. Arizona’s top import countries in 2025 included Taiwan ($16.7 billion), Mexico ($14 billion), China ($2.8 billion), Malaysia ($2.8 billion), and Canada ($2.8 billion).

No. 1 for International Economic Development

According to fDi Markets, Arizona attracted 55 foreign direct investment projects in 2025, totaling $107.7 billion in investment and more than 25,000 projected new jobs. Arizona’s top source countries for the number of international projects included Japan (15 projects), Canada (14 projects), and Taiwan (7 projects).

From 2020 to 2025, Arizona led all states as the no. 1 destination for international investment, with more than $195.7 billion announced.

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About Arizona Commerce Authority

The Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) is the state’s leading economic development organization with a streamlined mission to grow and strengthen Arizona’s economy. The ACA uses a three-pronged approach to advance the overall economy: attract, expand, create – attract out-of-state companies to establish operations in Arizona; work with existing companies to expand their business in Arizona and beyond; and help entrepreneurs create new Arizona businesses in targeted industries.

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