2006 Pennsylvania exports are up over previous year

The U.S. Commercial Service today announced new Commerce Department data that shows Pennsylvania exports increased 18 precent in 2006 over the previous year, and 67 percent from 2002-2006, to $26.8 billion.

"Ninety-five percent of the world's consumers live outside the United States, an dmore Pennsylvania companies are working ot reach these buyers," said Lyn Doverspike, U.S. Commercial Service Pittsburgh Director.  "Exporting helps companies increase their bottom line and those who think global have a competitive advantage in today's marketplace."

From 2002-2006, Pennsylvania exports increased to many of the state's top destinations including Canada (60 precent), Mexico (62 percent), China (198 percent), Japan (42 percent), and Belgium (214 percent).  Many other Pennsylvania export destinations posted solid gains as well.  Machinery manufactures, chemical manufactures, computers and electronic products, and transportation equipment ranked among Pennsylvania's leading exports.

"Not selling internationally is like leaving money on the table," said Israel Hernanddez, Assistant Secretary for Trade Promotion and Director General of the U.S. Commercial Service.  "If you do business here in the United States, the most competitive market in the world, then you can certainly sell your product or service in other markets around the world."

"We have free trade agreements in force with 14 countries, and several more pending.  Last year, U.S. exports to countries where there was an FTA in effect, exceeded $437 billion, accounting for American workers, farmers, businesses and consumers is why the Bush Administration has requested Congress renew the President's Trade Promotion Authority."

Trade Promotion Authority (TPA), enacted in 2002, expires June 30 of this year.  TPA facilitates free trade agreements with our partners, thus enabling U.S. businesses to meet the foreign competition head-on.  With the TPA, Congress considers free trade agreements as a whole, rather than subjecting completed agreements to the possibility of changes or amendments.

For information on the U.S. Commercial Service, call the Pittsburgh U.S. Export Assistance Center at (412) 644-2800, or visit www.buyusa.gov/pittsburgh.  For information on the Commercial Service's signature trade promotion event of 2007 visit www.tradewindsforum.com.

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