Fastest Growing Industries by Exports in the US in 2024

1. Prefabricated Home Manufacturing in the US

Growth in Exports for 2024: 747.1%

The Prefabricated Home Manufacturing industry produces modular and manufactured homes that are low-cost substitutes for conventional, site-built units. The industry caters to first-time homeowners, retirees and low-income consumers. Rising home prices during the period priced more buyers out of the traditional housing market and raised demand for prefabricated homes. Plummeting interest rates amid the COVID-19 pandemic and the health risks associated with the virus boosted demand for prefabricated homes as consumers fled congested urban areas and took advantage of the low-interest rates. Low-interest rates have also increased competition from the conventional housing market, mitigating revenue growth. As interest rates climb... Learn More

2. Industrial Chocolate Production in the US

Growth in Exports for 2024: 76.7%

The Industrial Chocolate Production industry has experienced growth, despite volatility from fluctuating cocoa prices and challenges introduced by the COVID-19 pandemic. The industry's production, which includes processed cocoa beans to manufacture cocoa products, including cocoa powder, liquor and butter, is largely destined for chocolate confectionery producers, although bakers and dairy beverage producers also buy cocoa products to infuse into their foods. In recent years, fluctuations in cocoa prices have been offset by improving disposable incomes and greater demand for premium chocolate goods. Despite an added emphasis on health consciousness by American consumers and challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic that... Learn More

3. Ship Building in the US

Growth in Exports for 2024: 71.9%

Shipbuilders design, build and repair ships and other vessels for military and commercial clients. Long project lead times, primarily for defense contracts, have led to a consistent flow of revenue, keeping shipyards busy with work. Defense budgets are set in advance and have increased yearly because of rising geopolitical tensions.

Shipbuilders are protected from foreign competition through protectionist policies like the Jones Act, which prohibits using foreign-built vessels on routes between US ports. While some military shipbuilders receive contracts from foreign countries, commercial shipbuilding is mainly domestic. An increase in US oil and gas production throughout the period has provided a... Learn More

4. Tank & Armored Vehicle Manufacturing in the US

Growth in Exports for 2024: 50.0%

The Tank and Armored Vehicle Manufacturing industry have benefited from rising geopolitical tensions after taking a direct hit from plummeting demand before the period. Companies research, develop, manufacture, modify and repair military armored vehicles, self-propelled artillery and tanks. As the United States began to scale down combat operations in the Middle East, the defense budget was reduced, sequestration kicked in, and spending on industry products plunged. Rising geopolitical tensions have caused a surge of US defense contracts with manufacturers for industry-relevant vehicles. Industry revenue has been growing at an annualized 6.3% over the past five years and is expected to... Learn More

5. Newsprint Manufacturing in the US

Growth in Exports for 2024: 44.5%

The industry produces newsprint, a type of paper packaged in long rolls for use in printing presses. Newspapers and advertisements are most commonly printed on newsprint paper, which is primarily composed of wood pulp. The shift to digital platforms has significantly affected the newsprint industry, with demand for traditional print media plummeting and COVID-19 accelerating the push toward digitalization. Trade tensions and tariffs, notably between the US and Canada, have impacted the industry, increasing costs and affecting imported newsprint availability, causing uncertainty for future operations. Alongside these challenges, companies have had to navigate supply chain disruptions and form flexible strategies... Learn More

6. Major Smart Appliance Manufacturing in the US

Growth in Exports for 2024: 29.0%

Major smart appliance manufacturers build smart household cooking appliances, refrigerators and laundry equipment. Revenue for the industry has surged during the current period because major smart appliances have become less expensive and more accessible to consumers, enabling manufacturers to sell to most households for the first time. Rising incomes during much of the current period also benefited the industry, as more money enabled consumers to purchase luxuries, such as major smart appliances. High input prices provided new revenue streams for manufacturers during the recovery from COVID-19, as companies passed on high costs to consumers. Interest rates have soared in recent... Learn More

7. Kombucha Production in the US

Growth in Exports for 2024: 24.4%

The industry is currently experiencing remarkable growth and success. With increasing consumer awareness and demand for healthier beverage alternatives, kombucha has emerged as a popular choice for health-conscious individuals. The industry has witnessed significant market expansion, with a wide range of flavors and varieties now available to consumers. Kombucha producers have tapped into consumer preferences by experimenting with different fruits, herbs, spices and unique ingredients, creating a diverse and appealing product portfolio. Overall, industry revenue has increased at a CAGR of 5.7% to $1.3 billion while entering 2023, including an increase of 0.8% in 2023 alone.

This growth can be attributed... Learn More

8. Truck & Bus Manufacturing in the US

Growth in Exports for 2024: 21.6%

Truck and bus manufacturing remains a staple in the US economy, as transporting people and goods is paramount to a healthy economy. This has been particularly true in recent years, as there is increased demand for goods to be shipped across the country due to the rise of e-commerce. The pandemic hit truck and bus manufacturers hard as restrictions limited manufacturing capabilities, international trade and downstream demand. International trade is an essential component of this industry, since much demand for freight trucking comes from transporting goods from ports across the country. This was halted due to trade restrictions put in... Learn More

9. Cotton Farming in the US

Growth in Exports for 2024: 20.6%

The Cotton Farming industry has experienced extremely volatile operating conditions over the past five years. COVID-19 caused states and localities to enact quarantines, reducing consumer spending and demand for products made by textile mills and clothing manufacturers. Since these industries are critical cotton buyers, the pandemic caused industry revenue to decline. Plunging cotton prices worsened the industry's performance, as they reduced the value of sales. Surging commodity prices immediately following the pandemic contributed to a partial resurgence, but they also made substitutes more attractive. Trade wars and an appreciating dollar caused exports to fall. Since exports constitute a significant source... Learn More

10. Fire Truck Manufacturing in the US

Growth in Exports for 2024: 18.3%

The Fire Truck Manufacturing industry largely depends on government funding. Over the past five years, local and state government funding has decreased, reducing manufacturers' spending on new firefighting vehicles. However, federal funding for homeland security has grown, contributing to increased funding for the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program. The AFG program assists fire departments in acquiring new vehicles and outfitting departments with safety equipment, which has grown to $370.0 million in 2023, up from $350.0 million in 2018. Over the five years to 2023, revenue has fallen at a CAGR of 6.0% to $2.2 billion, including an expected 2.1%... Learn More