U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker recently released a report highlighting goods exports from U.S. metropolitan areas for 2015. The International Trade Administration’s 2015 Metropolitan Area Export Overview indicates that goods exported from the Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ metro area reached a record $13.8 billion. Phoenix’s goods exports increased by $1.1 billion, or 8.3 percent, from 2014 to 2015, and is one of the 63 metro areas to achieve record export levels last year.

“Exports continue to be a source of growth for the Phoenix economy” said U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker. “Phoenix is one of 63 metropolitan areas across our nation that set a record for goods exports last year. The Department of Commerce continues to focus its services on assisting more Phoenix-based firms sell their ‘Made in America’ products to global consumers, which will support additional growth and good-paying jobs.”

U.S. metropolitan area goods exports exceeded $1.3 trillion in 2015, and accounted for 89 percent of total U.S. goods exports last year. One hundred and fifty-six metropolitan areas tallied merchandise exports worth more than $1 billion in 2015.

“We are so thrilled to hear the news that the Phoenix, Mesa, and Scottsdale areas had a record-setting year in 2015 for exports,” said Kristian Richardson, director of CS Phoenix and Arizona operations. “When we see an increase like eight percent in exports for our community, we definitely have to recognize the hard work these companies and employees put in to ensuring their product or service successfully reaches international markets.”

Phoenix Metropolitan Area export highlights for 2015:

  • One of 63 metro areas to achieve record goods export levels.
  • Nearly 49 percent of goods exports went to markets where the United States has trade agreements in force.
  • Key merchandise export categories included computer & electronic products; transportation equipment; and machinery, except electrical.

The Obama administration is committed to a trade agenda that promotes high-standard, 21st century trade agreements like the Trans Pacific Partnership, which will improve global competitiveness, enhance overall economic growth, and maintain U.S. global economic leadership, according to the administration.

Current free trade agreement partner markets account for a substantial and growing share of exports for many metropolitan areas, and new trade agreements will increase opportunities for Phoenix area companies to sell more products to growing markets, the administration notes.