During the Soviet era, Estonia's foreign trade was characterized by large net imports, 80–85% of which came from other Soviet republics, the destination of 95% of Estonian exports. Beginning in 1992, the value of exports began to surpass that of imports, and the share of trade with other former Soviet republics diminished. In 2000, Estonia's exports totaled $3.8 billion, 69% of which went to EU nations.

The most important export industry in Estonia is electronics(24.5%). Cork, wood, and their manufactures account for the second-largest consolidated group of commodity exports(11.9%). Other important exports include apparel (5.3%), textiles (4.4%), and furniture (3.8%).