The U.S. Commerce Department has released export figures for the 50 states showing that Georgia is among the 21 that realize more than 100,000 jobs from exports.
The department’s objective is to underscore the importance of free trade agreements and the trade promotion authority (TPA), which authorizes the president to negotiate international agreements that Congress can approve or disapprove but cannot amend or filibuster.
According to an April 9 news release, Georgia exports of goods in 2014 supported 209,071 jobs in the state.
First passed in 1974, TPA has since been renewed many times but expired in 2007. While it currently remains controversial among the nation’s legislators, its supporters say that it is essential for the passage of major trade agreements under negotiation with Asia and Europe — the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) and the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (T-TIP).
If passed, both agreements are expected to boost both U.S. exports and export-related jobs. If it fails to be passed, its supporters say that it will provide a setback for U.S. companies seeking to trade with a wide array of countries in Asia and Europe.
Key merchandise export categories for Georgia in 2014 cited in the release include: transportation equipment, machinery manufactures, chemicals, paper and processed foods.
Canada, China, Mexico, the United Kingdom and Singapore were the leading destinations for Georgia goods exports in 2014.
The release also says that over the past 10 years from 2005-14, goods exports from Georgia to its free trade partners grew by 69 percent with sales to Canada, Mexico, Korea and Australia showing the largest dollar growth over this period.
For the full report, click here. For more information, call Mary Trupo at (202) 482-3809.