Expansion Management

Top 10 Exporting States in 2013 [SLIDESHOW]

Feb. 13, 2014

U.S. exports hit $2.3 trillion in 2013.

U.S. exports hit $2.3 trillion in 2013, according a report released this week by the Commerce Department.

“These export numbers show that for more and more American companies, selling internationally is critical to growing their businesses and strengthening our economy,” said U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny 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.”

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 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.

An interactive map with national and state merchandise trade data is available as well.

About the Author

Adrienne Selko | Senior Editor

Focus: Workforce, Talent

Follow Me on Twitter: @ASelkoIW

Bio: Adrienne Selko has written about many topics over the 17 years she has been with the publication and currently focuses on workforce development strategies. Previously Adrienne was in corporate communications at a medical manufacturing company as well as a large regional bank. She is the author of Do I Have to Wear Garlic Around My Neck? which made the Cleveland Plain Dealer's best sellers list. She is also a senior editor at Material Handling & Logistics and EHS Today.

Editorial mission statement: Manufacturing is the enviable position of creating products, processes and policies that solve the world’s problems. When the industry stepped up to manufacture what was necessary to combat the pandemic, it revealed its true nature. My goal is to showcase the sector’s ability to address a broad range of workforce issues including technology, training, diversity & inclusion, with a goal of enticing future generations to join this amazing sector.

Why I find manufacturing interesting: On my first day working for a company that made medical equipment such as MRIs, I toured the plant floor. On every wall was a photo of a person, mostly children. I asked my supervisor why this was the case and he said that the work we do at this company has saved these people’s lives. “We never forget how important our work is and everyone’s contribution to that.” From that moment on I was hooked on manufacturing.

I have talked with many people in this field who have transformed their own career development to assist others. For example, companies are hiring those with disabilities, those previously incarcerated and other talent pools that have been underutilized. I have talked with leaders who have brought out the best in their workforce, as well as employees doing their best work while doing good for the world.