U.S. merchandise exports increased from $202 billion in 2010 to a record $1.48 trillion in 2011, the Commerce Department's International Trade Administration reports. Texas was the biggest gainer among the states, with a $43 billion increase. Total U.S. exports of goods and services also set a record in 2011 -- $2.1 trillion.
Altogether, U.S. merchandise exports increased 16% over 2010, which ITA says puts the United States on track to meet President Obama's National Export Initiative goals of doubling U.S. exports by the end of 2014.
Thirty-six states had double-digit merchandise export growth in 2011, ITA reports. Of those, 23 states exceeded the national average of 16% growth for merchandise exports.
"America has a strong competitive edge in the global marketplace," said Under Secretary of International Trade Francisco Snchez. "Consumers worldwide have a strong affinity for U.S. goods and services, and appreciate American-brand-name values and U.S. companies' reputation for quality, performance and after-the sale service. The most recent figures show that U.S. exports are fueling our economic recovery."
Texas accounted for 21% of the nation's increase in merchandise exports from 2010 to 2011. Together Texas, California, Illinois, Louisiana and New York accounted for one-half of the increase in goods exports from 2010-2011.
Here are the top 10 exporting states:
| State | 2010 | 2011 |
| Texas | 206.9 | 249.8 |
| California | 143.1 | 159.3 |
| New York | 69.6 | 82.8 |
| Florida | 55.3 | 64.7 |
| Washington | 53.3 | 64.6 |
| Illinois | 50.0 | 64.5 |
| Louisiana | 41.3 | 55.1 |
| Michigan | 44.7 | 50.8 |
| Ohio | 41.4 | 46.4 |
| Pennsylvania | 34.9 | 41.0 |
