North Carolina’s export business around the world continues to boom. Numbers from the U.S. International Trade Administration show merchandise exports jumped by 6% compared to this time last year – up to $14.8 billion.
Jean Davis is the Director of International Trade for the state Commerce Department. She says excluding a dip in 2008 during the recession, exports have been on the rise for the past decade.
“Our exports to India creeping up by a huge 86% and Europe continuing to be strong for us with France and Ireland up a lot as well, yeah, I would certainly call it a trend," said Davis.
The largest export categories include chemicals, machinery, transportation equipment, computer and electronic products, and textiles. Davis says one reason why 'chemicals' tops the list is because the category includes pharmaceuticals.
"Clearly, around the world, as the middle class grows people need access to A, those raw materials and B, medicines for their health," said Davis.
Some of the countries contributing to North Carolina's jump in export sales for the for half of 2013 are India (up 86%), France (up 67%), Ireland (up 62%), Saudi Arabia (up 44%) and China (up 12%).