Promote:
Export from Idaho
A short guide for companies selling from Idaho: the export figures, the agreements and their limits, the main steps and who can help, each with its source.
1. What Idaho sells, and who buys it
Goods exports
US$4.6 billion
Merchandise exports were US$4,603.4 million in 2025, as first published, including re-exports.
Source: Census Bureau, Exhibit 2 state export origin, 2025 (opens in a new tab) · as of 2025
Manufactured goods exports
US$2.89 billion
Manufactured goods exports were US$2,892.2 million in 2025, 62.8 percent of the state's total, computed from Census Exhibit 2.
Source: Census Bureau, Exhibit 2 state export origin, 2025 (opens in a new tab) · as of 2025
Top goods exports
2025
- 1. Semiconductor devices (HS 8541)US$473.4 million
- 2. Lead ores (HS 2607)US$301.3 million
- 3. Precious metal articles (HS 7115)US$235.3 million
- 4. Mixed fertilizers (HS 3105)US$212.3 million
- 5. Photographic plates and film (HS 3705)US$207.8 million
- 6. Live cattle (HS 0102)US$187.1 million
- 7. Cheese (HS 0406)US$148.1 million
- 8. Electrical control panels (HS 8537)US$130.5 million
Show 12 more products
- 9. Frozen vegetables (HS 2004)US$127.5 million
- 10. Whey products (HS 0404)US$101.3 million
- 11. Integrated circuits (HS 8542)US$85.7 million
- 12. Egg and milk albumins (HS 3502)US$82.6 million
- 13. Gold (HS 7108)US$76.8 million
- 14. Dried peas, lentils and beans (HS 0713)US$76.5 millionCensus counts the state where the shipment starts its export journey. Source (opens in a new tab)
- 15. Seeds for sowing (HS 1209)US$72.6 million
- 16. Hydrogen and rare gases (HS 2804)US$71.4 million
- 17. Electrical measuring instruments (HS 9030)US$67.2 million
- 18. Civilian aircraft and partsUS$64.7 million
- 19. Semiconductor-making machines (HS 8486)US$63.6 million
- 20. Butter and milk fats (HS 0405)US$63.2 million
- Origin of movement is where goods began their journey to the port, not always where made. For farm and mining goods the state shown generally reflects the port of export, and foreign-trade zone shipments are spread among states. Source (opens in a new tab)
- The ranking's shares are of US$4,609.4 million, the Census Bureau's current 2025 total in its state export data. The exports total shown, US$4,603.4 million, is Exhibit 2's figure as first published, so the two differ slightly. Source (opens in a new tab)
Source: Census Bureau, state exports by product and destination, 2025 (opens in a new tab) · as of 2025
Where the goods go
2025, share of goods exports
- Canada38.6%
- Taiwan9.1%
- Mexico6.3%
- Singapore6.3%
- Malaysia6%
- Japan4.6%
- South Korea3.5%
- China3%
Show 2 more destinations
- Netherlands2.6%
- Brazil2.4%
Source: Census Bureau, state exports by product and destination, 2025 (opens in a new tab) · as of 2025
2. What to look into next
Our reading
The research marks precious metal articles, live cattle and cheese as lines a small or mid-sized company could be in. If yours is one, check which markets buy that line, not only Idaho’s top destinations overall.
Source: Census Bureau, state exports by product and destination, 2025 (opens in a new tab) · as of 2025
Based on: Top goods exports
Semiconductor-making machines grew 86% from 2024 to 2025; cheese grew 69% from 2024 to 2025. A growing line can mean buyers are looking for more; confirm it with that line’s buyers before you plan around it.
Source: Census Bureau, state exports by product and destination, 2025 (opens in a new tab) · as of 2025
Based on: Top goods exports, against the year before
Canada takes 38.6% of Idaho’s goods exports. If you sell there, its import rules and buyer channels come first; either way, compare at least one other market before you commit.
Source: Census Bureau, state exports by product and destination, 2025 (opens in a new tab) · as of 2025
Based on: Where the goods go
Promote:Global’s reading of the figures above, not a source’s statement, and not advice.
3. Trade agreements
For Idaho: the United States’ agreements apply
4. What Idaho runs for exporters
Only what Idaho itself runs or asks of exporters, each with its source.
TechHelp field staff work with Idaho food manufacturers on quality systems and certifications, including HACCP and requirements of the Department of Agriculture of the United States.
Source: Boise State University, TechHelp federal award news, March 2026 (opens in a new tab) · as of March 25, 2026
Under the Tax Commission's rules, use tax does not apply to goods kept in Idaho only to be shipped out and used or sold outside the state.
Source: Idaho DFM, 2026 pending rules book, revenue and taxation (opens in a new tab) · as of November 4, 2026
The Boise Metro Chamber certifies certificates of origin at US$10 each for members and US$25 for others. Confirm current fees with the chamber before you ship.
Source: Boise Metro Chamber, certificates of origin page (opens in a new tab) · as of November 4, 2026
University of Idaho Extension faculty teach FDA-approved Produce Safety Alliance courses and run on-farm readiness reviews before possible Produce Safety Rule inspections.
Source: University of Idaho Extension, producer food safety page (opens in a new tab) · as of November 4, 2026
Show 1 more
The Port of Lewiston, 465 miles from the Pacific Ocean, is the end point of the Columbia-Snake River barge system on Marine Highway M-84.
Source: Port of Lewiston, home page (opens in a new tab) · as of November 4, 2026
Export requirements across the United States: see the steps in Export from the United States
5. Steps to export
The main steps, in order, each with the body responsible and its official page.
Exporting from Idaho
- Ask Idaho Commerce for export help; in 2025 it worked with the Commercial Service to help an Idaho manufacturer enter Mexico.Idaho Department of CommerceOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: International Trade Administration, Rural Export Center bulletin, July 2025 (opens in a new tab) · as of July 8, 2025
- Ask the Commercial Service office in Boise about trade counseling and help finding partners abroad.U.S. Commercial Service BoiseOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: Commercial Service, Boise office page (opens in a new tab) · as of November 4, 2026
- Rural companies can ask the Rural Export Center for market research or a partner check.Rural Export Center, Pacific NorthwestPartner check US$450; website review US$600Official page (opens in a new tab)
Source: Commercial Service, Rural Export Center page (opens in a new tab) · as of November 4, 2026
- For food products, ask TechHelp about quality systems and certifications such as HACCP.TechHelpOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: Boise State University, TechHelp federal award news, March 2026 (opens in a new tab) · as of March 25, 2026
Show 3 more export steps
- Classify your product and check whether it needs an export license before you ship.Bureau of Industry and SecurityOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: International Trade Administration, export regulations page (opens in a new tab) · as of November 4, 2026
- File electronic export information in the Automated Export System when goods under one Schedule B number are worth over US$2,500, or need a license.U.S. Census BureauOver US$2,500 per Schedule B numberOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: International Trade Administration, AES filing page (opens in a new tab) · as of November 4, 2026
- If a buyer, bank or customs office asks for a certificate of origin, have it certified by the Boise Metro Chamber.Boise Metro Chamber of CommerceUS$10 per certificate for members; US$25 for othersOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: Boise Metro Chamber, certificates of origin page (opens in a new tab) · as of November 4, 2026
6. Organizations that help exporters
Start with Idaho Commerce, Idaho Tax Commission and Commercial Service Boise. Each card links to the organization’s own site.
Each card says what it can help with:Get adviceFind financeMeet requirementsResearch markets
Export development and market information
- Get advice
State economic development agency
Idaho Commerce
Idaho Department of Commerce
Helps Idaho companies enter export markets and supports business attraction as the state economic development organization.
Federal export assistance office
Commercial Service Boise
U.S. Commercial Service Boise
Gives Idaho exporters trade counseling, market research and help finding partners abroad.
Show 1 more organization
Federal rural export service
Rural Export Center
Rural Export Center, Pacific Northwest
Regional body
Does the Commercial Service's rural export outreach in the Pacific Northwest from Boise, linking rural companies to market research and partner checks.
Customs and tax
- Meet requirements
State tax authority
Idaho Tax Commission
Idaho State Tax Commission
Administers Idaho sales and use tax, including seller's permits and the production exemption, under rules it rewrote in 2025.
Visit Idaho Tax Commission (opens in a new tab)Source: Idaho DFM, 2026 pending rules book, revenue and taxation (opens in a new tab) · as of November 4, 2026
- Meet requirements
Inland river port authority
Port of Lewiston
Runs an inland river port with barge access to coastal ports, a crane and warehouse facility.
Visit Port of Lewiston (opens in a new tab)Source: Port of Lewiston, home page (opens in a new tab) · as of November 4, 2026
Standards and sector requirements
- Meet requirements
State agriculture department
Idaho Agriculture Department
Idaho State Department of Agriculture
Works with EXIM and the Commercial Service to help Idaho agricultural companies find export markets and reach buyers abroad.
Visit Idaho Agriculture Department (opens in a new tab)Source: EXIM, Idaho agriculture export webinar, November 2026 (opens in a new tab) · as of November 4, 2026
Manufacturing extension center
TechHelp
Gives Idaho manufacturers technical help with quality systems, food safety certifications and operations.
Visit TechHelp (opens in a new tab)Source: Boise State University, TechHelp federal award news, March 2026 (opens in a new tab) · as of March 25, 2026
Show 1 more organization
University extension service
UI Extension
University of Idaho Extension
Runs food safety education for Idaho growers and food businesses, including produce safety courses and on-farm readiness reviews.
Visit UI Extension (opens in a new tab)Source: University of Idaho, Virtual Food Safety news, January 2026 (opens in a new tab) · as of January 27, 2026
Chambers and industry associations
- Get advice
Chamber of commerce
Boise Metro Chamber
Boise Metro Chamber of Commerce
Certifies certificates of origin for exporters and represents businesses in the Boise area.
Visit Boise Metro Chamber (opens in a new tab)Source: Boise Metro Chamber, member press releases list (opens in a new tab) · as of November 4, 2026
- Get advice
Manufacturers association
Idaho Manufacturing Alliance
Connects Idaho manufacturers and runs Foreign-Trade Zone 280 in Caldwell.
Visit Idaho Manufacturing Alliance (opens in a new tab)Source: Idaho Manufacturing Alliance, news list (opens in a new tab) · as of November 4, 2026
Show 1 more organization
- Get advice
Statewide business association
IACI
Idaho Association of Commerce & Industry
Represents about 300 Idaho employers and local chambers in state policy and runs an annual public policy conference.
Visit IACI (opens in a new tab)Source: IACI, public policy conference page (opens in a new tab) · as of November 4, 2026
7. Worth knowing
Labor supply
The Department of Labor reported a 3.6 percent unemployment rate in September 2026, with the labor force 1.1 percent smaller than a year earlier.
What to do: Allow time and wage budget for recruiting in Idaho before you commit to production or delivery dates.
Source: Idaho Department of Labor, unemployment release, October 2026 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 16, 2026
Job growth outlook
The Department of Labor projects 8,500 new manufacturing jobs by 2034, including 3,900 in food manufacturing and 1,250 in computer and electronic products.
What to do: Check the department's projections for your occupations and supplier industries before you set hiring or sourcing targets in Idaho.
Source: Idaho Department of Labor, employment projections release, October 2026 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 7, 2026
Across the United States: see Worth knowing in Export from the United States
8. How Promote:Global helps
- Compare potential export marketsSee which markets import what you sell, ranked on public trade data, and read each country before you commit.
- Check duties and document requirementsCheck the duty, the origin conditions for a preferential rate and the documents a shipment needs.
- Find advisors and service firmsAsk an advisory firm a scoped, paid question, or browse firms that list their own services, from legal work to logistics.
- Organize your next stepsKeep each product and market in a project, with a roadmap of steps you work through.
Turn this guide into your Idaho project.
Use Promote:Global to explore markets, understand requirements and organize your next steps.
Promote:Idaho is an independent guide by Promote:Global, not an official government portal. The organizations named here are independent public and membership bodies, not Promote:Global partners, and every link goes to their own site.
Facts read from public sources, with an editorial cut-off of November 4, 2026. Nothing here is investment, legal, tax or sanctions advice. Check current status with the organization before you rely on it.