North Carolina's Exports Boom in First Half of 2013 Merchandise export sales already outpacing 2012 by 6 percent

, NC - The U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration (ITA) reports North Carolina merchandise exports increased 6 percent in the first half of 2013 compared to the same period in 2012, growing from $14.1 billion to $14.8 billion.
 
“These results show that there is increasing global demand for products made or grown in North Carolina,” said Governor Pat McCrory. “Our administration is committed to providing businesses the support they need to get their products to the international marketplace.”
 
According to the ITA, North Carolina’s merchandise export sales for the first half of 2013 boomed in many top destinations, including India (up 86 percent), France (67 percent), Ireland (62 percent), Saudi Arabia (44 percent) and China (12 percent).  Key merchandise export categories include chemicals, machinery manufactures, transportation equipment, computer and electronic products, and textiles.
 
The International Trade Division of the N.C. Department of Commerce works with North Carolina companies to enter worldwide markets and develop export opportunities.  Services that international trade experts provide include market research, establishing best market prospects, identifying customers and partners, and other value-added services.  The N.C. Department of Commerce maintains offices around the globe to support export activity and to facilitate direct investment in North Carolina.  The U.S. Export Assistance Center in Charlotte also works with companies to enhance export opportunities.
 
For more information about the impact of exports in North Carolina, please visit www.trade.gov/mas/ian and the N.C. Department of Commerce at www.nccommerce.com.   Businesses can order the Basic Guide to Exporting at www.export.gov/basicguide.
 
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