Columbia area sets record for goods exports in 2015

U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker today released a report highlighting goods exports from U.S. metropolitan areas for 2015. The International Trade Administration’s 2015 Metropolitan Area Export Overview indicates that goods exports from the Columbia, SC metro area reached a record $2.0 billion. Columbia’s goods exports increased by $4 million from 2014 to 2015, and is one of the 63 metro areas to achieve record export levels last year.

“Exports continue to be a source of growth for the Columbia economy” said U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker. “Columbia is one of 63 metropolitan areas across our nation that set a record for goods exports last year. The Department of Commerce continues to focus its services on assisting more Columbia-based firms sell their ‘Made in America’ products to global consumers, which will support additional growth and good-paying jobs.”

U.S. metropolitan area goods exports exceeded $1.3 trillion in 2015, and accounted for 89 percent of total U.S. goods exports last year. One hundred and fifty-six metropolitan areas tallied merchandise exports worth more than $1 billion in 2015.

“Global consumers are looking for the quality and innovation of South Carolina products,” said Dorette Coetsee, director of the U.S. Commercial Service in South Carolina. “We appreciate working with our partners at the state and local level helping South Carolina companies finding more global opportunities.”

Columbia Metropolitan Area export highlights for 2015:

• One of 63 metro areas to achieve record goods export levels.
• Nearly 55 percent of goods exports went to markets where the United States has trade agreements in force.
• Key merchandise export categories included plastics & rubber products; transportation equipment; and chemicals.

The Obama administration is committed to a trade agenda that promotes high-standard, 21^st century trade agreements like the Trans Pacific Partnership, which will improve global competitiveness, enhance overall economic growth, and maintain U.S. global economic leadership. Current free trade agreement partner markets account for a substantial and growing share of exports for many metropolitan areas, and new trade agreements will increase opportunities for Columbia area companies to sell more products to growing markets.

For more information on exporting, contact the U.S. Commercial Service Export Assistance Center in Columbia and visithttp://www.export.gov/southcarolina/.

For more information on the impact of Metropolitan Statistical Areas on U.S. exports, including fact sheets for the top metro areas in 2015, visit http://www.trade.gov/mas/ian/metroreport.