Federal Data Shows 36% Rise In Arkansas Exports

The International Trade Administration (ITA) announced new export data that shows Arkansas merchandise exports increased 36% in the first half of 2012 compared to the same period in 2011.

Nationally, merchandise export growth climbed 7% higher this year.

Exports from Arkansas grew from $2.8 billion to $3.8 billion in the first six months of the year versus the first six months of last year.

“Exports are an increasingly important part of Arkansas’s economic recovery as local businesses both big and small start to look beyond our borders to increase their customer base,” said Francisco Sánchez, Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade. “The International Trade Administration is committed to helping Arkansas businesses leverage financing and other key resources to boost exports that support thousands of good, high-paying jobs across the state. I encourage companies to contact our local U.S. Commercial Service offices to find out about new export opportunities and the resources available to them.”

Several key destination countries for exports included:

• Indonesia (+228%)
• Germany (+178%)
• Brazil (+170%)
• France (+116%)
• Hong Kong (+110%)

Merchandise export categories included transportation equipment, chemicals, food and kindred products, machinery manufactures, and agricultural products, according to ITA statistics.