Georgia’s international trade activity, exports plus imports, in the second quarter totaled $4.82 billion, a 16.1% increase compared to the same period a year ago, according to the Wachovia Georgia World Trade Index.
Exports for the quarter were $2.36 billion, 15.5% above the second quarter of 1993. Imports for the second quarter were estimated at $2.46 billion, 16.7% ahead of the second quarter of 1993, creating an estimated trade deficit for the quarter of $95 million.
“After a slow year in 1993, Georgia’s export growth is now moving ahead on a double digit performance level,” said G. Joseph Prendergast, chief executive officer of Wachovia Bank of Georgia. “Particularly encouraging are the strong markets for paper products in Europe and the Far East; tobacco products in the Middle East; and transportation equipment in Korea, Japan and Canada.”
Canada remained the top destination for Georgia’s exports, with shipments totaling $493 million, 21% of the state’s total exports. Japan held to second place with purchases of $222 million for the quarter, up 7%. Second quarter exports to Mexico of $124 million were 23% above the second quarter of 1993.