The Alabama Commerce Department reports that the state’s exports were up in 2022. According to preliminary trade data, Alabama exports approached $23.4 billion in value through November — a figure that already eclipses the annual record of $21.7 billion, set in 2017, showing that Alabama’s economy was back on track after the COVID-19 global pandemic and the forced economic shutdowns.
Alabama businesses that export their products to an international customer base have made a strong recovery during 2021, and that growth accelerated in 2022. Trade data indicate that the value of Alabama exports through the first 11 months of 2022 were tracking 23% higher than in the same period in 2021. Alabama-made goods went to 194 countries in 2022.
“Alabama is full of next-level innovation taking place in key industries, and we’re ready to bring what’s happening inside our factories and laboratories and within our entrepreneurial ecosystem to the world,” said Alabama Commerce Secretary Greg Canfield.
Economic developer Dr. Nicole Jones told Alabama Today, “Alabama has an impressive track record with exports. In 2021, our state exported goods and services at a total of almost $21 billion, which increased 21.8% from 2020. New data from 2022 shows a 23% increase from the same time period in the previous year. Pandemic-related global trade disruptions led to economic uncertainty, but fortunately, demand increased for Alabama-made products.”
Christina Stimpson is the director of Commerce’s Office of International Trade.
“Alabama’s vibrant export community has overcome significant challenges in the past few years, and it’s positioned for sustained growth because its high-quality products are in demand around the world,” Stimpson said
Alabama’s No. 1 export category is transportation equipment. During the first 11 months of 2022, that category reached nearly $10.4 billion, an 8.4% increase from 2021. The category includes motor vehicles and parts, aerospace products and parts, and ships, among other things. $8 billion of that were Alabama-made vehicles. Shipments of aerospace parts rose 31% to $1.6 billion in the first eleven months of 2022. Mercedes-Benz motor vehicles were Alabama’s No. 1 export in 2022.
Alabama exported $2.5 billion in chemicals in 2022, an increase of 22%.
Exports of minerals and ores were up 194% to $1.9 billion.
The exports of primary metals were up 24% to total $1.5 billion.
Alabama exported $1.4 billion worth of paper and paper products, an increase of 35%.
Jones credited the hard work of the Alabama workforce as well as the sound corporate governance of Alabama companies for the good export news.
“Our quality and skilled workforce pushed through,” Jones said. “The strength of Alabama’s companies is a result of dedicated human capital, innovative products and services, and continued communication and positive relationships with nations throughout the world.”
“For companies ready to forge ahead on a new path and discover the benefits of exports, the members of Export Alabama are always available as a resource for collaboration and guidance in this process,” Stimpson said.
Germany was the No. 1 international destination for Alabama goods in 2022. A spot the country held in 2021. During the first 11 months of 2022, shipments to Germany were valued at nearly $3.9 billion.
Alabama’s other leading export destinations during 2022 were Canada, China, Mexico, and South Korea.
Commerce’s Office of International Trade and its partners in Export Alabama assist Alabama companies in accessing foreign markets to increase international sales, providing trade education and training opportunities, and organizing international trade missions and shows for Alabama firms to identify opportunities in foreign markets.
Export Alabama provides comprehensive international trade services, all on a confidential basis, to help Alabama companies succeed in the global marketplace. Services provided to Alabama companies include advocacy, export education workshops, export finance assistance, identifying foreign distributors and buyers, international market research, and trade missions.
Michael Brooks is the associate director of the Alabama International Trade Center at the University of Alabama.
“Export Alabama plays a vital role in connecting companies with the experts, tools, and resources they need to access foreign markets and compete globally,” said Brooks. “Alabama’s competitiveness on the international stage is key to accelerating the state economy; companies that export tend to hire more people, pay higher wages, and are more resilient in economic downturns,” he added.
Export Alabama launched a new web presence on Monday that features resources, helpful advice, success stories, and contacts to further increase its aid to Alabama companies competing in the global marketplace.
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