An Introduction to Utah, The Beehive State

Utah is the 13^th largest state by area, with a population of more than 3 million living in the state. The flag of Utah has a beehive in it, and Utahans relate the beehive symbol to industry and to the pioneer virtues of thrift and perseverance.

Approximately 2 out of 3 Utah residents are reported to be a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (also known as the Mormon Church.) Utah is also the only state with a majority of the population belonging to a single church. The state is a center of transportation, education, information technology and research, government services, mining, and a major tourist destination for outdoor recreation. In 2013, the U.S. Census Bureau estimated that Utah had the second fastest-growing population of any state. Furthermore, St. George, Utah, was the fastest-growing metropolitan area in the U.S. from 2000 to 2005. Utah also has the 14th highest median average income, and the lowest income inequality of any U.S. state.

Below are some interesting facts about Utah’s trade figures.

• International trade (both imports and exports) supports 374,963 Utah jobs, more than 1 out of every 5 jobs in the state.
• Utah exported $16 billion of goods and $6.1 billions of services in 2013, where 86% of Utah’s exporters are small-sized businesses.
• Customers in 204 countries buy Made in Utah goods and services, including top markets such as Hong Kong, Canada, and China.

Below is a list of Utah’s Top Exports, per industry.

Goods

1. Nonferrous Metals: $8.2 billion
2. Semiconductors & Components: $1.7 billion
3. Navigational & Measurement Instruments: $662 million
4. Misc. Foods: $536 million
5. Medical Equipment & Supplies: $362 million

Services

1. Travel: $1.0 billion
2. Computer Software: $845 million
3. Credit-Related Services: $689 million

Utah ranks among the top 15 state exporters in eight industries, including second in nonferrous metals ($8.2 billion), third in miscellaneous animal products ($149 million), fourth in miscellaneous prepared foods ($536 million), and ninth in semiconductors and parts ($1.7 billion.) Utah is America’s 34th largest exporter of agricultural products. It is the second leading exporter of fur skins and ranks among the top 10 exporters of hay and miscellaneous non-citrus fruits. One of Utah’s fastest growing export categories is miscellaneous prepared foods, which have increased by 17 percent annually since 2003. In 2013, exports of these products reached $536 million.

Below are Utah’s import figures, with commodities and values for the last 2 years.

Top 5 6-digit HS Commodities Based on 2017 Dollar Value

Here are the top 5 countries that Utah imported from in 2016 & 2017, respectively.

Top 5 Countries Based on 2016 & 2017 Dollar Value

Below are some selected foreign-owned companies employing workers in Utah.