Alabama Exports Up 10 Percent in 2008

February 23, 2009 -- MONTGOMERY - Alabama Governor Bob Riley announced Monday that Alabama exports grew to almost $16 billion in 2008, an increase of 10 percent from the year before.

“Alabama companies have proven they know how to compete in the global market. That means more jobs for our citizens, higher wages and a stronger economy for our state,” said Governor Riley. “The more aggressive and proactive we are in exporting, the more successful Alabama is going to be.”

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The Governor announced the value of Alabama-produced exports reached $15.8 billion last year. Companies in the state shipped their products to 192 countries, with the top five destination markets being Germany, Canada, Mexico, China and Japan.

Finished automotives topped the list of Alabama exports for 2008, accounting for 31 percent of the state’s total exports. Vehicles produced in Alabama were shipped to 113 countries and totaled almost $5 billion in foreign sales.

Other top exports showed healthy gains with chemicals increasing 13.5 percent to $2.27 million, minerals and ores rising 69 percent to $1.15 million, and paper seeing a 12.7 percent increase to $1 million. Exports of primary metal manufacturing increased 73 percent to $1 million.

Governor Riley has championed increasing Alabama’s exports. Early in his first term, in 2004, he launched the Export Alabama trade strategy. At that time, Alabama exports totaled $8.3 billion. Export Alabama is an effort to expand access for Alabama goods in foreign markets where demand is growing. At the direction of the Governor, the strategy is updated each year identifying new and expanding trade opportunities for Alabama.

Source: Alabama Governor