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G-Fin™: West Virginia Leads the Nation in Export Growth

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Export GrowthUp 39.5% in 2011

West Virginia exports reached a record $9 billion in 2011. With an increase of 39.5% over 2010’s level of $6.4 billion, West Virginia led the nation in the percentage of growth. Overall, U.S. exports grew 15.8% during this period.

“Exports contribute greatly to West Virginia’s growing and increasingly diverse economy. I commend the exporters of West Virginia for this incredible accomplishment,” said Governor Tomblin. “West Virginia companies continue to successfully compete in world markets by delivering high quality coal, chemicals, plastics, machinery and other products. Our forward-thinking business men and women, skilled workforce, natural resources and innovative technology were important factors in achieving this success.”

The increase of coal exports from $2.8 billion to $5.3 billion accounted for much of the growth. Also, non-coal exports reached a record level of more than $3.6 billion. Plastics, the second largest product sector, exceeded the $1 billion level for the first time in the state’s history.


West Virginia’s top 10 product sectors for 2011 are:

     
  1. Coal $5,362,295,786
    2.  
  2. Plastics $1,039,961,474
    3.  
  3. Machinery $780,598,704
    4.  
  4. Optical/Medical products $230,014,611
    5.  
  5. Organic Chemicals $225,240,701
    6.  
  6. Aerospace Components $183,110,185
    7.  
  7. Automotive Components $145,774,019
    8.  
  8. Misc. Chemicals $122,816,931
    9.  
  9. Organic cleaning preparations $114,397,548
    10.  
  10. Aluminum $95,852,054


West Virginia products were sold to 139 countries in 2011. The top 10 markets are listed below.

     
  1. Canada $1,532,164,406
    2.  
  2. Brazil $694,896,933
    3.  
  3. Netherlands $689,101,101
    4.  
  4. India $643,620,038
    5.  
  5. Italy $613,836,034
    6.  
  6. Ukraine $500,281,483
    7.  
  7. Japan $449,191,951
    8.  
  8. China $419,477,748
    9.  
  9. South Korea $376,572,386
    10.  
  10. United Kingdom $356,687,637

The International Division of the West Virginia Development Office (WVDO) facilitates international trade development by providing consulting and helping build international business relationships. For more information on WVDO international services, visit www.worldtradewv.com or contact Debra Martin at 304.957.2042 or Caitlin Ashley at 304.957.2014.

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