State Exports Hit $16.5 Billion in 2013

According to U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker, Connecticut is among the 16 states setting new records for export sales in 2013—with 10 additional states experiencing merchandise export growth.
Total merchandise exports from the 50 U.S. states helped contribute to the record-setting value of goods and services exports, which reached $2.3 trillion in 2013.
“These export numbers show that for more and more American companies, selling internationally is critical to growing their businesses and strengthening our economy,” said Secretary Pritzker.
“We know for a fact, that for every $1 billion in exports nearly 5,000 jobs are supported across our nation, and with more than 95% of the world’s potential consumers residing outside our borders, exports will continue to be an important driver of the local and national economy.”
The 16 states that set new records for exports in 2013 include: Texas ($279.7 billion), California ($168.1 billion), Washington ($81.9 billion), Louisiana ($63.1 billion), Michigan ($58.5 billion), Ohio ($50.5 billion), Georgia ($37.6 billion), Tennessee ($32.4 billion), North Carolina ($29.3 billion), South Carolina ($26.1 billion), Kentucky ($25.3 billion), Connecticut ($16.5 billion), Mississippi ($12.4 billion), Maryland ($11.8 billion), Colorado ($8.7 billion), and Oklahoma ($6.9 billion).
“Exporting is vital to Connecticut companies,” says CBIA economist Pete Gioia. “It allows them to diversify their markets and make more sales. In addition, exporters are usually more stable, grow faster, and pay higher wages than non-exporting firms.”
The following states enjoyed growth in total merchandise exports in 2013: Alaska, Arizona, Delaware, Kansas, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, and South Dakota.
U.S. merchandise exports to countries that the United States has trade agreements with continued to be strong. This included record exports to: Canada (+2.7%), Mexico (+4.7%); Colombia (+13.8%); Panama (+9.6%); Peru (+7.6%); and Jordan (+18.2%).
More information about individual state’s contribution to national exports is available through the International Trade Administration’s Office of Trade and Economic Analysis, which includes individual fact sheets for all 50 states and an interactive map.