Governor Kay Ivey on Thursday announced that Alabama exports surged to over $25.5 billion in 2022, setting a new annual record. Ivey said this is yet another indicator that the state’s economy is performing strongly.
“Our record-breaking success when it comes to our exports is yet another example of the far reach of the ‘Made in Alabama’ brand and a direct result of our incredible companies and top-notch workforce,” said Gov. Ivey. “Exporting is a fundamental economic pillar that supports growth in Alabama, contributing economic vitality and spurring job creation across the state.”
2022’s surging export activity was driven by rising overseas shipments of Alabama-made vehicles, aerospace parts, chemicals, minerals, metals, and paper products, according to data from the Alabama Department of Commerce.
The value of Alabama exports in 2022 jumped 22% compared to 2021, which also saw a substantial increase from the COVID-19 stunted 2020. Alabama exports have soared almost 47% since 2020 when global trade tensions and the COVID-19 pandemic dragged down shipments.
The 2022 export total surpassed the previous record year – 2017’s $21.7 billion – by 17.5%.
Greg Canfield is the Secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce.
“Setting a new annual export record is just another example of the economic success that Alabama is enjoying right now,” said Sec. Canfield. “Despite turbulence on the national scene, Alabama’s economy is really humming on all cylinders and can keep rolling as a bounty of growth projects bring in new jobs and investment.”
Economic developer Dr. Nicole Jones told Alabama Today, “The Made in Alabama brand is recognized throughout the world thanks to driven folks in the public and private sector who have positive business relationships and ongoing communication with our trade partners.”
Alabama exports spanned the globe during 2022, going to 196 countries.
The Top 5 destinations for Alabama exports were:
· Germany: $4.3 billion, a 16% gain over 2021
· China: $3.8 billion, a 10% increase over the previous year
· Canada: $3.2 billion, which was up 3%
· Mexico: $2.8 billion, an 11% increase
· Japan: $1 billion, a 42% jump from 2021
Other top destinations were South Korea, Brazil, the United Kingdom, Belgium, and Australia.
Christina Stimpson is the director of Commerce’s Office of International Trade. Stimpson said that broad-based gains for Alabama exports represent good news for companies back home because it generates increased production, additional investment, and new jobs.
“Seeing a new annual export record demonstrates the success of operating and producing in Alabama. Growth in production from exports means job creation for our communities,” said Stimpson. “Export Alabama is here to support Alabama businesses launching into export or expanding to new global markets.”
Commerce’s Office of International Trade offers resources to help Alabama companies enter profitable new overseas markets through frequent trade and business development missions, training, foreign-market information, and international contacts. The Office of International Trade is a partner in Export Alabama. It is a seamless network of international trade agencies that share the fundamental objective of helping Alabama companies expand their business internationally.
“The strength of Alabama’s companies is a result of dedicated human capital,” Jones said. “These newest export numbers speak volumes; products made by Alabamians are an integral part of the global economy.”
Alabama’s No. 1 export category — transportation equipment — helped power the state’s record performance during 2022, climbing above $11.4 billion, a gain of 9%. The category includes motor vehicles and parts, aerospace products and parts, and ships, among other things.
The largest part of this category was the exports of Alabama-made vehicles which approached $8.9 billion last year, an increase of 13%. The top international destinations for Alabama-made vehicles were Germany, China, and Canada, which all saw increases in 2022. According to Commerce data, overseas shipments of aerospace products and parts increased by an incredible 21% to exceed $1.7 billion.
All of Alabama’s top-ranking export categories posed major gains during 2022.
Alabama exported $2.7 billion in chemicals – an increase of 19.5%.
Alabama exported $2 billion in minerals and ore — up 178%.
The state exported $1.6 billion of primary metals — up 20%.
Alabama exported $1.6 billion in paper products — up 35%
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