Gov. Nathan Deal announced today that Georgia garnered a record increase in international trade for the sixth consecutive year in 2015. Georgia’s imports increased to $88.55 billion (+5.7%), while it had exports of $38 billion to 217 unique countries and territories. Georgia remains the 7th-largest importing state and the 11th-largest exporting state.
In 2015, Georgia was the national leader in the exporting “of chemical woodpulp, poultry, kraft paper and paperboard, carpets, Kaolin, and chemical products such as insecticides.” Georgia’s leading industries in exporting “were aircraft/spacecraft, non-electric machinery, non-railway vehicles, electrical machinery and paper/paperboard, making up 56 percent of Georgia’s total exports.”
After the break you can see comments from Gov. Deal and Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) Commissioner Chris Carr.
Gov. Deal:
“We proudly offer access to the fastest-growing port in the nation, the world’s busiest airport and a collaborative business environment unmatched by other states. These assets provide a gateway for Georgia companies to thrive in global markets, and Georgia’s international representation is well-aligned to support them. Today’s news further demonstrates that international trade remains an important economic driver for our state.”
Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) Commissioner Chris Carr:
“Georgia’s global connectivity is a critical factor in the state’s competitiveness and economic development. We know that international trade means quality jobs and investment for our state, and our international trade team will continue to work with exporters, communities and private-sector partners to create new market opportunities for Georgia products and services.”