For Immediate Release: April 12, 2010
Contact: Cory Churches (202) 482-3809
145 U.S. Cities Boast Billion Dollar Export MarketS
2008 Data Emphasizes Positive Impact Exports Have on Metropolitan Economies
WASHINGTON –The top 10 U.S. metropolitan areas accounted for $471 billion or 36 percent of total U.S. merchandise exports in 2008, according to data issued by the U.S. Department of Commerce. A total of 145 U.S. metropolitan areas recorded product sales of $1 billion or more in 2008, illustrating the economic value of open markets.
“The strength of exports and the resulting impact on surrounding communities is undeniable,” said Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade Francisco J. Sánchez. “These figures show the resilience of our economy and our export potential. President Obama’s National Export Initiative provides additional resources to enhance export promotion which will create even more jobs in these and other cities.”
Highlights from the metro export series for 2008 include:
- In 2008, nine metropolitan areas posted export sales of $25 billion or more. These markets include New York-Northern New Jersey; Houston; Los Angeles-Long Beach; Seattle-Tacoma; Detroit; Chicago; Miami-Fort Lauderdale; San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara; and Minneapolis-St. Paul.
- An additional 40 metro areas exported between $5 billion and $24 billion. These top 49 metro areas accounted for 67 percent of total U.S. merchandise exports in 2008.
- Thirty-two major metropolitan areas expanded exports by $1 billion or more between 2007 and 2008.
- Fourteen other metropolitan areas posted 2007-2008 export increases between $500 million and $1 billion, while 86 additional metropolitan areas registered export increases in the $100 million to $499 million range.
Background
The March 2010 data series contains merchandise export values for 371 U.S. metropolitan areas. Service export values are not included in this series. Available for 2005 through 2008, this data also contains metro area exports as a percent of the state total, where possible; product exports to individual countries for the 50 largest metropolitan areas; top global export product categories; and total exports to ten regional destinations. For 2008, additional data is available detailing the top metropolitan area exporters to our top 50 trading partners, and major metropolitan area exporters by industry.
For additional information and to view the complete data series and methodology, visit www.trade.gov/metrodata
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International Trade Administration
The International Trade Administration (ITA) is the premier resource for American companies competing in the global marketplace. ITA has 2,100 employees assisting U.S. exporters in more than 100 U.S. cities and 77 countries worldwide. For more information on ITA visit www.trade.gov.
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