The growth in Georgia exports to China over the last decade has far outpaced other markets, broadly benefiting communities and industries across the state, according to a new report by the U.S.-China Business Council.
The council’s report looked at exports from the 435 U.S. congressional districts and found that 333 saw quicker growth in exports to China than to the rest of the world.
Each of Georgia’s 13 districts saw more than 490 percent growth from 2000-10, showing that all areas of the state benefited from trade with China, though some industries were more prominent than others depending on the region.
Overall, the state’s exports to China grew by 632 percent to $2.4 billion during the decade, compared to an 80 percent increase in sales to other countries. China, the world’s second largest economy, is also Georgia’s second largest export market behind Canada ($4.9 billion).
Four districts saw exports of more than $70 million in paper products, the state’s top export product to China, accounting for $524 million in sales during 2010.
District 7, comprised mostly of Gwinnett, Walton and Barrow counties, grew its exports to China by 703 percent, faster than any other district. China bought $89 million in computers and electronics from the area, the report showed.
District 9 in northwest Georgia and District 13 southwest of Atlanta (close to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport) stood at a near tie for district with the highest exports to China for 2010, totaling $354 million and $353 million, respectively.
In the northwest, home to Georgia’s carpet industry cluster, export growth was driven by $171 million in manufacturing. In District 13, paper products led at $93 million, followed by manufacturing, chemicals, computers and electronics and machinery.
According to the report, the state’s top five exports to China were paper products, transportation equipment, waste and scrap, chemicals and computers and electronics, in descending order.
To see the full report for Georgia, broken down by district, visit https://www.uschina.org/public/exports/2000_2010/georgia.html.
