Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman issued the following statement following new trade data from the Department of Commerce that showed 2013 was a record year for American exports. The release highlighted 16 states that individually set records for exports from their states. Economic statistics show that every $1 billion in exports supports nearly 5,000 American jobs.
“Trade is a powerful force that supports jobs, grows the middle class, and creates opportunities for American businesses to succeed,” Ambassador Froman said. “Record exports in 2013 indicate that the American economy is continuing to gain steam.”
“California, whose largest export market was Mexico, saw its exports climb by over $6 billion to $168.1 billion last year. Washington State, selling products ranging from transportation equipment to computers and electronics, saw their exports increase by over $6 billion to $81.9 billion. South Carolina sold nearly $1 billion more in goods and services to the world, exporting a total of $26.1 billion in 2013. In the Northeast, Connecticut broke their previous record with a total of $16.5 billion in exports. And Colorado’s exports increased by over $500,000 to $8.7 billion.”
“The Obama Administration is committed to ensuring that trade continues to drive economic growth and we are doing so through market-opening trade negotiations with Europe and Asia-Pacific countries. When complete, the Trans-Pacific Partnership and the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership will level the playing field for American workers and support jobs at home in a meaningful way.”
