US and Mexico threaten tariffs against each other. These WA exports would be impacted most

Since Donald Trump’s inauguration as the 47th president of the United States on Jan. 20, his administration has been busy addressing multiple campaign promises. Trump has signed 45 executive orders so far, including a recent series of orders imposing tariffs on Canada, Mexico and China.

The order was followed with counter tariffs from Mexico, Canada, and China.

On Monday, Feb. 3, the North American country leaders discussed and agreed to hold off on enacting tariffs for at least 30 days.

While the tariffs and their impacts are still under discussion, they threaten to drive up the prices of most goods for consumers in America.

Which Washington industries and products would be most affected by these tariffs? As part of a series, we found the top imports and exports out of Canada and Mexico to Washington state. These are the state’s top exports to Mexico.

Washington’s top exports to Mexico

Counter tariffs would hurt numerous industries in Washington. According to the U.S. Trade Representative, Mexico ranks fourth among countries that receive Washington state exports.

In 2023 alone, the state’s export value with Mexico was more than $3.48 billion, according to data supplied by the Washington State Department of Commerce. The U.S. Import and Export Merchandise trade statistics has export numbers through November 2024. In total, exports to Mexico brought in over $3.9 billion to the state. The trade statistics are available through the government portal, which tracks all U.S. trades and is available to the public with a free account.

Trade was referred to as the “lifeblood of Washington state’s economy” in a recent fact sheet from Senator Maria Cantwell’s office, and Canada and Mexico were called top trading partners for the state and entire country. Trade accounted for over $127 billion worth of imports and exports in 2023.

Among Washington’s top exports to Mexico through Nov. 2024 was, by far, petrol oil. Over $1.316 billion worth of petrol oil was exported to Mexico, according to the U.S. Import and Export Merchandise trade statistics.

The second top export was civilian aircraft and parts, generating over $576 million for the Evergreen State.

Agricultural products is also a top export sector for Washington. Apples were the third top export to Mexico, bringing in over $331 million.

Nuclear reactors, machinery and parts brought in over $179 million across a variety of products, including centrifuges, forklifts, engines and motors. Non-railway vehicles were the fifth top export category for Washington, with over $222 million worth exported across various products, like tractors, good transportation vehicles and parts.

Washington state exported over $164 million of electric machinery through a wide array of products.

Agriculture returns to the Evergreen State’s top ten exports at number seven, with $150 million from potatoes and various nuts.

Paper and paperboard products exported to Mexico brought in over $76 million for Washington. The state exported more than $64 million worth of unroasted malt. Plastic materials were the tenth top export to Mexico, including containers, tubes and pipes bringing in nearly $67 million.

Here are the other primary findings:

This story was originally published February 4, 2025 at 11:32 AM.