Gov. Tim Walz's office cancels planned trade mission to Ireland, Netherlands

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz's office is canceling a planned state trade mission to Netherlands and Ireland amid his vice presidential run, Axios has learned.

The big picture: The trips, which bring together a delegation of state officials and local business leaders, are meant to strengthen economic and political ties with other countries.

Catch up fast: The trade mission, set to take place Nov. 16–22, was announced earlier this year.

• The state Department of Employment and Economic Development was promoting the trip and accepting applications for the business delegation as recently as late August.

What they're saying: The Walz administration confirmed the decision in a statement to Axios, saying the "governor values the relationships the state has built through trade missions and appreciates the role these trips play in growing the state's economy."

• "The Governor will continue to find ways to strengthen Minnesota's partnerships with the Netherlands and Ireland and showcase Minnesota as a smart place to do business," a spokesperson for the governor said in a statement.

Zoom in: Both Ireland and the Netherlands rank in the top 10 for Minnesota's largest export destinations, with combined exports valued at over $1 billion, per DEED.

Flashback: Past destinations for trade missions led by Walz have included Australia and Japan .

• His office has credited the travel with helping secure significant investment from Japan.
• Exports to Australia have also increased since Walz visited last year, DEED says.