Totaled $8.9 billion in exports in 2013
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Sept. 5, 2014) — The U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration has announced new export data that shows merchandise exports from the Louisville-Jefferson County metropolitan area totaled a record $8.9 billion, an increase of 16 percent or $1.2 billion from 2012 to 2013. This growth helped Louisville to remain a top metropolitan area for exports in 2013.
“Increasing exports help businesses of all sizes grow and create jobs and it’s a vital part of our plan to create a 21st century economy,” Mayor Greg Fischer said. “That’s why we’ve made export growth one of the top components of our Bluegrass Economic Development Movement to grow the region’s economy.”
The city, in partnership with the JPMorgan Chase Foundation, has a program that provides grants to area small businesses that wish to start or grow exports.
According to international trade figures, 156 U.S. metropolitan areas exported more than $1 billion in merchandise in 2013. Thirty-three of the top 50 metropolitan areas for exports registered positive growth between 2012 and 2013 — with 26 reaching record export levels.
“Kentucky companies continue to tailor their export strategies to meet growing international demand for high-value U.S. products and services,” said Peggy Pauley, Director of the U.S. Commercial Service in Louisville. “Many smaller businesses have proven that exporting is viable and profitable. The Internet, improved logistics options, and available U.S. Government export assistance has made exporting for small businesses more attainable than ever.”
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