FROM THE STATE NEWS WIRE service:

The International Trade Administration (ITA) recently announced new data that show North Carolina merchandise exports increased 8 percent in 2011 compared to 2010, growing from $24.9 billion to $27.0 billion.
“North Carolina exporters continue to sell some of the most innovative products and services to world destinations, advancing President Obama’s National Export Initiative that is on pace to double U.S. exports by the end of 2014,” said Francisco Sánchez, Under Secretary for International Trade. “Eighty-five percent of world economic growth over the next five years will take place outside of the United States.

As the U.S. economy builds momentum, we must continue to equip U.S. businesses with all the necessary tools to increase exports that support millions of high-paying jobs across the country.”

North Carolina’s 2011 merchandise export sales increased to many top destinations, including Honduras (up 36 percent), Germany (26 percent), China (17 percent), Canada (16 percent), and Mexico (9 percent). Key merchandise export categories include chemicals, machinery manufactures, transportation equipment, computer and electronic products, and textiles.

“These export numbers show that businesses across our state continue to sell to destinations around the world,” said Greg Sizemore, director of the U.S. Commercial Service’s Export Assistance Centers in North Carolina. “Ninety-five percent of the world’s potential consumers are outside of the United States. With that statistic, it’s hard to believe that only one percent of U.S. firms export. I’m hoping this positive news on exports will encourage companies to call on us to help them sell to markets outside of the U.S.”
In 2011, the worldwide U.S. Commercial Service helped U.S. businesses facilitate 14,200 export successes worth $55 billion in U.S. export sales.

The U.S. Commercial Service is the premier export agency of the U.S. Department of Commerce. We offer market research, identification and development, technical assistance and counseling. Our core specialization is connecting N.C.firms with international buyers by way of our global network of trade professionals located throughout the U.S. and in U.S. embassies and consulates located in more than 80 countries. Whether you are a company looking to make your first export sale or expand to additional markets, we offer the expertise you need to connect with lucrative international opportunities.