The International Trade Administration (ITA) today announced that new data shows West Virginia merchandise exports increased 26 percent in 2012 compared to 2011, growing from $9.0 billion to $11.4 billion. This was a record high export level for the state. West Virginia’s strong performance in 2012 helped the United States reach an all-time record for exports of U.S. goods and services, reaching $2.2 trillion in 2012 and supporting nearly 10 million American jobs.
West Virginia’s 2012 merchandise export sales outpaced the 2011 figures in many top destinations, including: China (+127 percent); Japan (+69 percent); Korea (+61 percent); the United Kingdom (+53 percent); and France (+51 percent). Key merchandise export categories include: minerals and ores; chemicals; transportation equipment; primary metal manufactures; and miscellaneous manufactures.
“These export numbers show that for more and more West Virginia companies, selling internationally is key to growing their businesses and strengthening their bottom line,” said Francisco Sánchez, U.S. Commerce Under Secretary for International Trade. “Exports continue to be a driver of the U.S. economy, supporting millions of well-paying jobs across America. This data confirms that our efforts to remove trade barriers and help American businesses compete globally are having an impact right here in West Virginia.”
Nationwide, many small and mid-sized business also continue to “graduate” from Export University, a day-long program – led by ITA’s U.S. Commercial Service and the District Export Council – that provides export training, export and marketing strategy development, and information on locating international buyers, shipping and logistics, documentation issues, payment risks, and trade financing.
“These export numbers bode well for West Virginia businesses looking to grow their sales,” said Leslie Drake, Director of the U.S. Commercial Service in Charleston. “It’s never too late to get started in exporting or pursue new markets, and having a solid export strategy can make all the difference. We’d like to help you realize your export potential.”
With more than 100 offices across the United States and in American Embassies and Consulates in more than 70 countries, ITA’s U.S. Commercial Service connects U.S. companies with international buyers. In 2012, ITA helped U.S. businesses facilitate more than 14,000 export successes.
Companies interested in exporting should contact their local office in Charleston at 304-347-5123 or visit www.export.gov/WestVirginia. Businesses can also order the Basic Guide to Exporting available at www.export.gov/basicguide.
For more information about the impact of exports on individual states, including fact sheets for all 50 states, please visit the Office of Trade and Industry Information’s web page at http://www.trade.gov/mas/ian/statereports/.
