8/24/2011
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – West Virginia’s exports increased by 43 percent in the first six months of 2011, compared to the same time period in 2010. The state’s growth rate outperformed the U.S. export growth rate of 18 percent for the same period.
That brisk pace indicates West Virginia is on track to meet or exceed last year’s record level of exports. The year 2010 ended with an export total of $6.4 billion.
Figures from the U.S. Department of Commerce show West Virginia’s product exports for the first half of 2011 totaled $4.4 billion, up from $3.1 billion during the first half of 2010.
“West Virginia businesses large and small are succeeding in worldwide trade,” said Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin. “Exporting is essential to our state’s continued economic growth. International sales help to create and retain jobs in West Virginia. We encourage our businesses to explore this potential for growth.”
The U.S. Department of Commerce estimates that trade supports 38 million jobs — more than one in five — in the United States. More than 17 percent of all manufacturing workers in West Virginia depend on exports for their jobs.
During the first half of 2011, West Virginia’s top trading partners as measured in dollars are Canada, Brazil, India, Netherlands, Italy, Japan, China, Ukraine, United Kingdom and South Korea.
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.
Contact Information
Catherine Zacchi
304-957-9340
catherine.m.zacchi@wv.gov