The issues of connection of manufacturing industry of the region and the structure of its exports are considered. Features of export of some regions of the Middle and Lower Volga region during the last two years are analyzed. An assessment of the effectiveness of export activities is given. On the example of the Saratov region shows a change in the structure of exports for the period 2013-2017. The question of possibilities of import substitution in the Saratov region is raised.