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Export-Related Jobs Surge in 2010

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
CONTACT OFFICE OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS
202-482-4883

U.S. exports supported an estimated 9.2 million jobs in 2010, up from 8.7 million in 2009, according to a report issued today by the Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration. For every billion dollars of exports, over 5,000 jobs are supported.

“The exports surge in 2010 supported an additional half million jobs for U.S. workers – growth critical to America’s economic recovery,” U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke said. “It’s easy to understand why it’s so important to reach President Obama’s goal of doubling exports by 2015 and doing more than ever to help U.S. businesses reach the 95 percent of consumers who live outside our borders.”

New data also shows employment supported by manufactured exports plays a significant role in many states.  Twenty-one states each counted over 100,000 jobs supported by manufactured exports in 2009, with two states registering more than a half-million – California at 616,500 jobs, and Texas at 538,500 jobs. 

“As we continue to make progress in reaching the goals of the President’s National Export Initiative, we are confident that the number of jobs supported by exports will continue to rise,” said Francisco Sánchez, under secretary of commerce for international trade. “More businesses are reaching customers in foreign markets and seeing their sales rise which leads to more good-paying jobs in the United States.”

Today’s report updates ITA’s April 2010 report “Exports Support American Jobs,” and highlights that, now more than ever, exports are central to a strong U.S. economy. The value of exports that support one job was $181,000 in 2010, an increase of $17,000, or 10 percent from the 2009 figure, as export prices and productivity have strengthened. 

“The International Trade Administration is committed to helping U.S. firms find lucrative exporting opportunities around the globe, and ensuring access to these markets,” Sánchez said. “Our efforts improve the global business environment and help U.S. companies compete abroad, creating jobs at home.”

The International Trade Administration has a lead role in implementing the National Export Initiative and helps businesses grow through exports.