Fastest Growing Industries by Exports in United States in 2026

• 1. Wood Pallet & Skid Manufacturing in the US

  Growth in Exports for 2026: 40.5%

  The wood pallet and skids production industry has experienced significant growth over the past five years, driven primarily by robust consumer spending and pronounced volatility in lumber prices. Stimulus checks that expanded disposable income, alongside surges in construction and home improvement activity, fueled an unprecedented need for wood pallets, enabling producers to pass along higher lumber costs to customers and maintain strong profitability. Although lumber prices have leveled off ...

  Learn More

• 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...

  Learn More

• 3. 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...

  Learn More

• 4. 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...

  Learn More

• 5. Activated Carbon Production in the US

  Growth in Exports for 2026: 7.8%

  Environmental regulation, water infrastructure investments and industrial compliance mandates define the structural context and primary growth catalysts for the industry. Heightened scrutiny of municipal water treatment standards, increased remediation of contaminated groundwater and the expansion of emission control requirements in power generation directly drive demand for activated carbon products. Downstream markets in food and beverage processing, pharmaceuticals a...

  Learn More

• 6. 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...

  Learn More

• 7. Medical Instrument & Supply Manufacturing in the US

  Growth in Exports for 2026: 7.3%

  Rising healthcare utilization continues to drive growth in the Medical Instruments and Supplies industry. Healthcare procedures have been rising since the post‑pandemic recovery—albeit at a slower, more normalized pace—but still on an upward trajectory, supporting steady volume growth. As more people access healthcare, manufacturers have a crucial role, with demand fueled by demographic trends like a rising number of adults 65 and older and the increasing prevalence of chronic illnesses. Expa...

  Learn More

• 8. Medical Adhesive & Sealant Manufacturing in the US

  Growth in Exports for 2026: 7.2%

  Medical adhesive and sealant manufacturers have always been central to the US health sector, but medical advances, demographic trends and evolving healthcare needs are renewing their importance. The industry is experiencing robust growth driven by the growing number of adults aged 65 and older, rising chronic illnesses, and the expanded use of medical devices. This aging population demands more complex medical care, driving the need for advanced surgical and wound-care adhesives. Manufacturer...

  Learn More

• 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...

  Learn More

• 10. Tractors & Agricultural Machinery Manufacturing in the US

  Growth in Exports for 2026: 6.9%

  The US agricultural machinery manufacturing industry is navigating a difficult downcycle as abundant crop supplies and elevated borrowing costs weigh on its core customer base. Strong crop prices early in the period briefly supported machinery sales, but record or near‑record corn and soybean harvests, combined with ample global oilseed supplies, have since pushed prices well below their 2022 peaks. This has compressed farm incomes and cashflow, leading farmers to defer or scale back purchase...

  Learn More