When it comes to bringing your goods and services to the international marketplace, consider Maryland your gateway.State exports reached a record high of$12.2 billion in 2014, up from $11.8 billion in 2013, theMaryland Department of Business and Economic Development(DBED) announced Thursday.
How did Maryland do it?
Much of that answer lies with the State's strong global relationships andadvanced transportation resources, including thePort of BaltimoreandBWI Thurgood Marshall Airport.
"The continued increase in Maryland exports, along with the Port of Baltimore hitting record cargo levels and BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport expanding international service, shows measurable progress that we can build on," said Mike Gill, DBED Secretary. "Continuing to grow Maryland's international footprint means more jobs and more opportunities for Maryland businesses."
Strong Global Relationships
Maryland's top trading markets for goods and services includeCanada, which received $1.9 billion; Saudi Arabia, which received $915 million; and China, which received $714 million,anInternational Trade Administrationreport shows.
Port of Baltimore
The Port of Baltimore remains a major driver of international trade for the State. For the fourth consecutive year, it handled more cars than any other U.S. port, exporting nearly 260,000 cars. In total, 29.5 million tons of international cargo crossed the Port's docks in 2014, valued at $52.5 billion.
BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport
BWI is continuing to expand its global trade capabilities. The airport hasannounced a $105 million construction contract to enhance and expand international service. It is expected to be complete by 2017.
Impact of Maryland exports
The impact of international trade in Maryland stretches across the State and includes diverse merchandise categories, according to an International Trade Administration report.
In 2014, exports included $3.5 billion in transportation equipment, $2.2 billion in chemicals and $1.6 billion in computer and electronic products.Maryland was a key player in helping the United States reach an all-time record of $2.35 trillion for exports.
Maryland exports supported roughly 55,000 U.S. jobs in 2013, which pay on average up to 18 percent more than non-export related industries. The report found that 7,386 Maryland companies exported in 2012, of which nearly 90 percent were small and mid-sized businesses.
The majority of exports originated in the Baltimore-Columbia-Towson metro area with $5.9 billion, followed by $27 million in exports from California-Lexington Park area in Southern Maryland. The Salisbury area on the Eastern Shore was part of a multi-state total of $1.2 billion in exports and the Hagerstown-Martinsburg, West Virginia metro area reported $296 million in exports.
DBED works to help companies throughout the State access international trade opportunities. Learn more about resources and investment partners through DBED'sOffice of International Investment and Trade.
