Promote:
Export from Vermont
A short guide for companies selling from Vermont: the export figures, the agreements and their limits, the main steps and who can help, each with its source.
1. What Vermont sells, and who buys it
Goods exports
US$2.06 billion
Merchandise exports were US$2,056.1 million in 2025, including re-exports, as first published by the Census Bureau.
Source: Census Bureau, exports by state of origin, Exhibit 2, 2025 (opens in a new tab) · as of 2025
Manufactured goods exports
US$1.88 billion
Manufactured goods exports were US$1,881.2 million in 2025, which is 91.5 percent of the total, computed from Census Exhibit 2.
Source: Census Bureau, exports by state of origin, Exhibit 2, 2025 (opens in a new tab) · as of 2025
Top goods exports
2025
- 1. Integrated circuits (HS 8542)US$461.1 million
- 2. Civilian aircraft, engines and partsUS$260.5 million
- 3. Chocolate and cocoa food products (HS 1806)US$128.3 million
- 4. Sports, exercise and outdoor game equipment (HS 9506)US$89.1 million
- 5. Coated paper and paperboard (HS 4810)US$63.3 million
- 6. Plastics and rubber processing machinery (HS 8477)US$48.6 million
- 7. Plastic articles (HS 3926)US$34.1 million
- 8. Laboratory analysis instruments (HS 9027)US$32.4 million
Show 12 more products
- 9. Flow, level and pressure instruments (HS 9026)US$30.5 million
- 10. Liquid pumps (HS 8413)US$29.1 million
- 11. Malt extract and flour or milk food preparations (HS 1901)US$27.5 million
- 12. Computers and data processing units (HS 8471)US$26.7 million
- 13. Hats and other headgear (HS 6506)US$23.1 million
- 14. Foundry casting machines and ladles (HS 8454)US$21.6 million
- 15. Mounted lenses, prisms and mirrors (HS 9002)US$21.1 million
- 16. Sugar confectionery (HS 1704)US$20.3 million
- 17. Special-purpose machines (HS 8479)US$20.1 million
- 18. Synthetic monofilament and strip (HS 5404)US$20.1 million
- 19. Logs and rough-squared wood (HS 4403)US$19.6 million
- 20. Turbojets, gas turbines and parts (HS 8411)US$19.6 million
- Origin of movement is where goods began their trip to the port, not always where made; primary goods often show the port's state; foreign-trade zone shipments are spread across states. Source (opens in a new tab)
- The ranking's shares are of US$2,059.3 million, the Census Bureau's current 2025 total in its state export data. The exports total shown, US$2,056.1 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
- Canada30.9%
- Taiwan13%
- Germany12.5%
- China5.6%
- Netherlands3.9%
- Mexico3.4%
- United Kingdom2.8%
- Hong Kong2.5%
Show 2 more destinations
- Singapore2.3%
- Ireland2.1%
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 chocolate and cocoa food products, sports, exercise and outdoor game equipment and plastics and rubber processing machinery as lines a small or mid-sized company could be in. If yours is one, check which markets buy that line, not only Vermont’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
Special-purpose machines grew 124% from 2024 to 2025; liquid pumps grew 74% 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 30.9% of Vermont’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 Vermont: the United States’ agreements apply
4. What Vermont runs for exporters
Only what Vermont itself runs or asks of exporters, each with its source.
The Department of Economic Development runs the State Trade Expansion Program, which reimburses small and mid-sized companies for trade shows, market research, compliance and e-commerce.
Source: Vermont Department of Economic Development briefing, January 6, 2026 (opens in a new tab) · as of January 6, 2026
The Department of Economic Development is deploying the 12th iteration of a US$249,000 State Trade Expansion Program award, per its January 2026 briefing.
Source: Vermont Department of Economic Development briefing, January 6, 2026 (opens in a new tab) · as of 2026
The briefing reports over US$15,136,700 in export sales by Vermont businesses since STEP 9, a return of about US$14 in sales per grant dollar.
Source: Vermont Department of Economic Development briefing, January 6, 2026 (opens in a new tab) · as of 2026
Vermont contracts a Montreal-based firm as its Canada in-market representative, under a contract extended to November 2026.
Source: Vermont Department of Economic Development briefing, January 6, 2026 (opens in a new tab) · as of January 6, 2026
Show 3 more
VEDA is the Export-Import Bank's Regional Export Promotion Program partner for Vermont, packages export loans and may finance export sales directly. Ask VEDA before you quote payment terms.
Source: VEDA, Export Assistance Program (opens in a new tab) · as of November 2, 2026
State law lets the Secretary of Agriculture, Food and Markets issue a certificate of free sale for Vermont food shipped to foreign countries, for US$30 per certificate.
Source: Vermont Statutes, 6 V.S.A. section 18, certificate of free sale (opens in a new tab) · as of November 2, 2026
The Vermont Small Business Development Center has three certified advisors for import and export advising, who help clients find export markets and export financing.
Source: VtSBDC, Export / Import advising page (opens in a new tab) · as of November 2, 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 Vermont
- Ask the Department of Economic Development about State Trade Expansion Program funding for trade shows, market research and compliance.Vermont Department of Economic DevelopmentOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: Vermont Department of Economic Development briefing, January 6, 2026 (opens in a new tab) · as of January 6, 2026
- Ask VEDA about export finance, including loan packaging and Export-Import Bank working capital guarantees and insurance for export sales.Vermont Economic Development AuthorityOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: VEDA, Export Assistance Program (opens in a new tab) · as of November 2, 2026
- If you sell Vermont food, ask the Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets for a certificate of free sale.Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and MarketsUS$30 per certificateOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: Vermont Statutes, 6 V.S.A. section 18, certificate of free sale (opens in a new tab) · as of November 2, 2026
- Book export advising with the Vermont Small Business Development Center.Vermont Small Business Development CenterNo feeOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: VtSBDC, about the center (opens in a new tab) · as of November 2, 2026
Show 2 more export steps
- Classify your product with a Schedule B export code.U.S. Census BureauOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: Census Bureau, Schedule B export classification (opens in a new tab) · as of November 2, 2026
- File electronic export information in the Automated Export System where federal rules require it.U.S. Census BureauOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: Census Bureau, Automated Export System filing page (opens in a new tab) · as of November 2, 2026
6. Organizations that help exporters
Start with DED and CS Montpelier. 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
DED
Vermont Department of Economic Development
Gives expanding companies trade counseling, market research, trade show support and help with foreign-trade zone agreements, and handles foreign investment inquiries.
Visit DED (opens in a new tab)Source: Vermont Department of Economic Development briefing, January 6, 2026 (opens in a new tab) · as of January 6, 2026
Export assistance center
CS Montpelier
U.S. Commercial Service Montpelier
Serves exporters throughout Vermont with trade counseling and links to export assistance partners.
Visit CS Montpelier (opens in a new tab)Source: ITA Commercial Service, Vermont contact page (opens in a new tab) · as of November 2, 2026
Show 4 more organizations
- Find finance
State development finance authority
VEDA
Vermont Economic Development Authority
Packages export loans and can finance export sales through the Export-Import Bank's working capital guarantee and insurance programs.
Visit VEDA (opens in a new tab)Source: VEDA, Export Assistance Program (opens in a new tab) · as of November 2, 2026
- Get advice
Small business advising program
VtSBDC
Vermont Small Business Development Center
Gives small businesses no-fee, confidential advising, including export market and export financing guidance from three certified import and export advisors.
Visit VtSBDC (opens in a new tab)Source: VtSBDC, Export / Import advising page (opens in a new tab) · as of November 2, 2026
- Meet requirements
Regional food export program
Food Export Northeast
Food Export USA-Northeast
Regional body
Serves food and beverage exporters in ten Northeast states, Vermont included, through a member agency in each state.
Visit Food Export Northeast (opens in a new tab)Source: Food Export Northeast, member states page (opens in a new tab) · as of November 2, 2026
- Get advice
Small business support office
SBA Vermont
U.S. Small Business Administration Vermont District Office
Serves small businesses in all 14 Vermont counties from its district office.
Visit SBA Vermont (opens in a new tab)Source: SBA, Vermont District Office page (opens in a new tab) · as of November 2, 2026
Customs and tax
- Meet requirements
State tax authority
Department of Taxes
Vermont Department of Taxes
Administers Vermont taxes and publishes an annual taxpayer advocate report on problems taxpayers, businesses included, meet.
Visit Department of Taxes (opens in a new tab)Source: Vermont Department of Taxes, Taxpayer Advocate report, 2026 (opens in a new tab) · as of January 15, 2026
Standards and sector requirements
State agriculture agency
AAFM
Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
Works with food, beverage and forestry businesses to develop domestic and international markets through grants, education, market entry and promotion.
Visit AAFM (opens in a new tab)Source: ITA Commercial Service, Vermont local partners (opens in a new tab) · as of November 2, 2026
- Meet requirements
State financial regulator
DFR
Vermont Department of Financial Regulation
Licenses and supervises the banks, insurance companies, captive insurers and securities firms that a foreign company may deal with in Vermont.
Visit DFR (opens in a new tab)Source: Vermont DFR FY27 budget presentation, February 2026 (opens in a new tab) · as of February 9, 2026
Show 1 more organization
- Meet requirements
Professional licensing office
OPR
Vermont Office of Professional Regulation
Licenses more than 50 profession types in Vermont, a step for companies whose staff practice a regulated profession.
Visit OPR (opens in a new tab)Source: Vermont Secretary of State FY27 budget presentation, 2026 (opens in a new tab) · as of February 5, 2026
Chambers and industry associations
- Get advice
State chamber of commerce
Vermont Chamber
Vermont Chamber of Commerce
Represents Vermont businesses and publishes business climate surveys and guidance on Canada tariffs for employers.
Visit Vermont Chamber (opens in a new tab)Source: Vermont Chamber of Commerce, Canada tariffs page (opens in a new tab) · as of November 2, 2026
- Get advice
State manufacturers association
AIV
Associated Industries of Vermont
Represents Vermont manufacturers and their supporting businesses on state and federal issues, with news, education and networking.
Visit AIV (opens in a new tab)Source: Associated Industries of Vermont, home page (opens in a new tab) · as of November 2, 2026
7. Worth knowing
State export grants
A January 2026 briefing says the State Trade Expansion Program is fully subscribed and that its future seems tentative.
What to do: Confirm current grant funding with the Department of Economic Development before you budget for trade shows.
Sources: Vermont Department of Economic Development briefing, January 6, 2026 (opens in a new tab); SBA, State Trade Expansion Program awardee table (opens in a new tab) · as of January 6, 2026
Canadian customers
The legislature's economists link a 34.8 percent fall in 2025 visitor center traffic near the Canadian border, through December 22, to a Canadian boycott over United States trade policies.
What to do: Ask Canadian buyers what they expect to order before you commit stock or price lists.
Source: Vermont legislative economist, economic review, January 2026 (opens in a new tab) · as of January 16, 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 Vermont project.
Use Promote:Global to explore markets, understand requirements and organize your next steps.
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Promote:Vermont 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 3, 2026. Nothing here is investment, legal, tax or sanctions advice. Check current status with the organization before you rely on it.