Minnsights Blog

Canada and Mexico have long been key markets for Minnesota businesses, and their importance to the state's economy has only grown in recent years. Since 2016, Minnesota trade has pivoted away from China and increasingly toward its North American partners, deepening supply chain integration across the continent, particularly in the state's manufacturing and natural resource sectors.

While our focus here at the Chamber remains on legislative matters at the state capitol, I want to take time this week to lay out tariffs and trade and their impact on Minnesota’s economy.

The data is staggering: 94% of Minnesota’s net population growth this decade has come from immigration. This is somewhat unprecedented, with immigration now driving overall population growth in the state. It also accounts for about 60% of total job and labor force growth so far this decade. Over time, immigration is becoming a larger share of our economy and workforce.

Last week, we convened a bipartisan group of legislative leaders and coalition members from labor, agriculture and business to introduce a bill that would streamline and improve Minnesota’s permitting process.

Last week, the U.S. District Court ruled on a legal challenge to a Minnesota law passed in 2023. In a landmark decision, the court permanently blocked the so-called Foreign-Influenced Corporation Law, affirming core free speech rights for Minnesota businesses. As a result, the law can no longer be enforced.