Bend area merchandise exports increased 27 percent to a record high in 2013 The U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration (ITA) announced new export data that shows merchandise exports from the Bend-Redmond metropolitan area totaled a record $119 million, an increase of 27 percent or $26 million from 2012 to 2013.
“The Department of Commerce is dedicated to assisting U.S. firms in meeting the needs of global consumers while strengthening our economy and supporting jobs throughout the Bend area and our nation,” said Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade Stefan M. Selig. “U.S. companies of all sizes are exploring the possible benefits of exporting, and looking beyond our borders to expand their customer base. More than 95 percent of potential consumers live outside the United States and crave the world-class products offered by American businesses.”
According to international trade figures released today by ITA, 156 U.S. metropolitan areas exported more than $1 billion in merchandise in 2013. More than 200 metropolitan areas registered positive export growth between 2012 and 2013 – with 134 reaching record export levels.
Key merchandise export categories for the Bend-Redmond metropolitan area in 2013 included transportation equipment, chemicals, computer and electronic products, machinery, and fabricated metal products. Trading partners in the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation forum and the European Union were the leading destinations for Bend exports.
“Oregon companies continue to tailor their export strategies to meet growing international demand for high-value U.S. products and services,” said Scott Goddin, Director of the U.S. Commercial Service in Portland, a branch of the ITA. “Many smaller businesses have proven that exporting is viable and profitable. Over 5,500 small companies in Oregon are selling overseas. The Internet, improved logistics options, and available U.S. Government export assistance has made exporting for small businesses more attainable than ever.”
The CS Portland office works closely with the Oregon Business Development Department (Business Oregon) to support exporters throughout the state and locally with Economic Development for Central Oregon (EDCO). Business Oregon was just awarded $300,000 in additional federal State Trade Export Program (STEP) funds through the U.S. Small Business Administration to assist Oregon with exporting their goods and services globally. Since 2012, Business Oregon has used the grants to support 170 Oregon companies participation in overseas trade shows or trade missions, including eleven firms from the Bend-Redmond area.
Companies interested in applying for a STEP grant can either contact the CS Portland office or Business Oregon at www.oregon4biz.com/export.
The Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration works with American businesses of all sizes to identify export opportunities for their products and services to bolster President Obama’s National Export Initiative (NEI). A focus of the NEI is helping metropolitan areas identify regional strengths in order to increase their exports, boost the local economy, and create jobs for American workers.
For more information on exporting, contact the U.S. Commercial Service Export Assistance Center in Portland at 503-326-5156 or visit www.export.gov/oregon/.
For more information on the impact of Metropolitan Statistical Areas on U.S. exports, including fact sheets for the top 50 exporting MSAs in 2013, visit www.trade.gov/mas/ian/metroreport/index.asp.
