FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
CONTACT OFFICE OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS
202-482-4883

Acting U.S. Secretary of Commerce Rebecca Blank issued the following statement today on the release of the May 2012 U.S. International Trade in Goods and Services report (PDF) by the Commerce Department’s Census Bureau and Bureau of Economic Analysis. U.S. goods and services exports in May 2012 increased 0.2 percent from April 2012 to reach $183.1 billion, with record exports in total services ($52.4 billion), and foods, feeds, and beverages ($11.8 billion).

Exports of U.S. goods and services through the first five months of 2012 were up 5.7 percent, or $48.6 billion, from the same period of 2011 to reach $908.7 billion.

“U.S. exports posted their second-highest level on record in May despite some tough economic conditions abroad, confirming the progress we are making on the path to achieving the President’s goal of doubling exports by the end of 2014,” said Acting U.S. Commerce Secretary Rebecca Blank. “But there's much more work to do, and we must keep up efforts to support manufacturers and the auto and transportation industries, including supporting President Obama’s continued efforts to leveling the playing field so that American businesses and workers can compete, win and sell their products around the world to create good-paying American jobs. We are on track toward exceeding last year’s export total of $2.1 trillion, which supported 9.7 million jobs.  One of the bright spots in manufacturing exports has been motor vehicle and parts, which reflects the overall resurgence of cars and trucks made in the United States. ”

Exports fact sheet (PDF)