State exports up nearly 40 percent in first half of 2010

    CHARLESTON – During the first half of 2010, West Virginia’s exports climbed 39.5 percent compared to the same time period in 2009, according to figures released this week by the U.S. Department of Commerce.

    That outpaces the U.S. export growth rate of 23.8 percent for the same period.

    Figures from the U.S. Department of Commerce show West Virginia’s product exports reached $3 billion in the first half of 2010, up from $ $2.2 billion in 2009.

    “This positive sign for the economy is also a testament to the quality and world-class appeal of West Virginia goods and services,” said Gov. Joe Manchin. “The success we see today is a result of the long and successful collaboration among our state and federal agencies, businesses and work force.”

    “Expanding West Virginia businesses and selling our products and services in the global marketplace means a stronger economy and more private sector jobs right here at home,” said Senator Jay Rockefeller, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation. “Since my days as governor, I've continually fought hard to promote West Virginia businesses internationally. In the Commerce Committee, we recently passed The Export Promotion Act of 2010 to give the Department of Commerce greater tools to help companies, especially small and rural businesses, expand their exports. I thank all of the hard working West Virginia businesses and the West Virginia Development Office for all they do to create more jobs and better opportunities to showcase West Virginia products to the world.”

    The top 10 markets for West Virginia exports during January-June 2010 are Canada, Japan, India, Brazil, China, Netherlands, Belgium, United Kingdom, Italy and France.

    The product sector that achieved the biggest growth spurt was plastics/polymers, jumping more than 70 percent from the first half of 2009 to the same period in 2010. Increases were also reported in automotive components and machinery (63 percent each); soap/wax/related chemicals (57 percent) and wood products (49 percent).

    The International Division of the West Virginia Development Office facilitates international trade development by organizing trade missions, providing consulting and offering other services to encourage West Virginia businesses to pursue export markets.