Secretary Evans Takes Free Trade Message to Maine
Says Its Popular Products Make the Pine State a ‘Trading State’

U.S. Secretary of Commerce Don Evans today said that Maine’s world-famous exports and its proximity to Canada make the small state a big player in the U.S. economy. Evans cited statistics showing that in 2001 alone, Maine exported $1.6 billion worth of merchandise to 164 foreign countries.

“Thanks to products that range from lobster to maple syrup to software, Maine understands the benefits that exports have on their economy,” said Evans. “Trade opens doors and opportunities for our businesses to grow, our industries to thrive and our workers to prosper. Maine knows that as well as anyone.”

To illustrate trade’s significance to the American economy, Evans stressed that exports accounted for more than one-fifth of the nation’s economic growth during the last decade. Evans also cited data showing that trade supports 12 million U.S. jobs, and that export-supported jobs pay as much as 18 percent more than the average wage. As a result of NAFTA, Maine has exported to Canada $745 million in goods that accounted for 46 percent of the state’s exports. In 2000, export sales totaled $1,306 for every state resident, an increase of 52 percent from 1993.

Evans made his comments during a visit to Mega Industries, a manufacturer of antennas and other related equipment for the broadcast industry. Following his remarks, Evans presented Mega Industries owner Peter Anania with the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Export Achievement Certificate, recognizing Mega Industries’ success in entering new global markets for their products.

Evans’ visit to Gorham is the sixth in a series of trips he has made to highlight the importance of trade in the American economy and trade’s impact on the lives of American workers. Evans has held similar events this year in Kansas City, MO., Tampa, Fla., Albuquerque, N.M., Los Angeles, Calif. and Orlando, Fla. The Commerce Department’s nationwide grassroots initiative will take Evans and other senior Commerce officials to all 50 states to discuss trade during President Bush’s first term.