At first glance, Dubuque might not seem like a center for imports and exports.

But once people consider it, they realize that many products made in the tri-states make their way around the world.

And, it is not just large companies that have an international presence. The U.S. Census Bureau said that in 2010, more than 2,500 Iowa companies exported goods, and the vast majority — 84 percent — are small to medium-sized companies.

Here are the stories of some Dubuque companies who do business globally.