Data Emphasizes Positive Impact Exports Have on Metropolitan Economies ATLANTA—Today the U.S. Commerce Department introduced a new data series that precisely measures export values for metropolitan areas. In 2006, 116 metropolitan areas recorded product sales of $1 billion or more. U.S. exporters reported a record $1.4 trillion in goods and services in 2006. Final 2007 numbers are forecast to exceed 2006 totals.
“Exports boost jobs, grow the economy and allow businesses to prosper,” said U.S. Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez. “These new data show that cities across the country are thriving in the global economy. It also reinforces the positive role that trade and exports had in creating jobs and growing local economies.” The data series contains merchandise export values for 369 metropolitan areas. Service export values are not included in this series. Available for 2005 and 2006, this data also contains metro area exports as a percent of the state total, where possible; product exports to individual countries for the 50 largest metropolitan areas; top global export product categories; and total exports to ten regional destinations.
Highlights from metro export series for 2006 include:
Source: U.S. Department of Commerce
