Fastest Growing Industries by Exports in United States in 2026

• 1. Hybrid & Electric Vehicle Manufacturing in the US

  Growth in Exports for 2026: 20.7%

  Hybrid and electric vehicle manufacturers have soared through the current period as part of increased sustainability initiatives from the government and the public. Hybrid electric vehicles (HEV) and electric vehicles (EV), including plug-in electric vehicles (PEV) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV), have seen a dramatic rise in sales amid elevated oil and gas prices and falling vehicle prices. Automakers have prioritized cost reduction and battery lifespans to potentially attract ne...

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• 2. Ship Building in the US

  Growth in Exports for 2026: 16.7%

  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 shipyard revenue stable despite supply chain disruptions, climbing interest rates, geopolitical uncertainty and other exogenous shocks. Major protectionist policies in both commercial and military markets also create steady domestic growth. In particular, rebounding defense spending, stron...

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• 3. Audio & Video Equipment Manufacturing in the US

  Growth in Exports for 2026: 13.8%

  Over the past five years, the industry's performance has reflected both shifting consumer preferences and intensifying import competition. Rising demand for enhanced comfort and usability in audio tools hasn't been enough for domestic companies to go head-to-head with international brands dominating mass-market sales. Because of this, manufacturers have shifted their strategies, focusing on niche categories such as high-end wired and wireless audio gear and custom in-car audio systems. This s...

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• 4. 3D Printer Manufacturing in the US

  Growth in Exports for 2026: 12.9%

  The 3D printer manufacturing industry is expected to reach $3.9 billion in revenue by 2025, growing 4.0% for the year and achieving a 6.4% CAGR over the current period, driven by applications moving beyond prototyping toward serial production. This expansion enables aerospace manufacturers to adopt metal printers for certified aircraft components, while the medical sector leverages biocompatible systems for patient-specific implants, transforming printers from prototyping tools into viable pr...

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• 5. Smart Thermostat Manufacturing in the US

  Growth in Exports for 2026: 12.1%

  The smart thermostat manufacturing industry has undergone rapid expansion over the past five years, transforming from a niche technology into a mainstream household product. Early adoption was slow, but as connected home ecosystems became standard, manufacturers saw demand surge from both first-time buyers and energy-conscious consumers. Entry by large tech manufacturers like Amazon and Google Nest intensified competition, diversification and innovation. Between 2020 and 2025, the industry gr...

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• 6. Video Games in the US

  Growth in Exports for 2026: 9.3%

  The emergence of free-to-play games and fifth-generation consoles has provided steady revenue within the video game industry. However, since 2020, current-generation consoles have reached the mature life cycle phase, and console sales are down as of 2024. Despite the continued popularity of mobile gaming and AAA franchises, many markets within the industry await next-generation releases and have expressed a willingness to hold off on purchasing many industry products in the meantime. Conseque...

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• 7. Soybean Farming in the US

  Growth in Exports for 2026: 8.0%

  The US soybean farming industry is navigating significant changes in the current period, with soybean prices determining the initial rise and recent decline in industry performance. These prices have been influenced by several key factors, including the growing demand for biofuels and mixed consumer perceptions regarding soy products. The demand for soybean oil in biofuel production surged due to supportive policies like the Renewable Fuel Standard and rising crude oil prices, creating a lucr...

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• 8. Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Manufacturing in the US

  Growth in Exports for 2026: 7.6%

  UAV manufacturers face significant volatility across commercial and military markets, grappling with unique regulations, emerging and disruptive innovations and complex commercial trade conditions. Companies have especially dealt with major contract cancellations as the DoD moves toward modernization and modularity, prioritizing the CCA program and tactical versatility over single-job drones. However, greater drone integration across both military doctrine and commercia...

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• 9. Hardware Manufacturing in the US

  Growth in Exports for 2026: 6.9%

  The hardware manufacturing industry has faced a challenging operating environment over the past five years, with industry revenue declining at a compound annual rate of 2.2%. In 2025, industry revenue is expected to reach $10.0 billion, reflecting continued pressure from downstream market volatility, supply chain disruptions and previously subdued construction and automotive activity. 2025's revenue growth rate is expected to bounce back by 1.3%, as the sector recovers from...

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• 10. Solar Panel Manufacturing in the US

  Growth in Exports for 2026: 6.3%

  Solar panel manufacturers have thrived despite some hurdles throughout the period. Companies saw an uptick in the need for solar panels as the country continued emphasizing renewable energy. The Inflation Reduction Act bolstered and extended production and investment tax credits, making domestic manufacturing more viable. Even so, manufacturers have been plagued by import penetration, specifically from Asian products, which flooded the US market with low-cost solar modules and cells. In 2022,...

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