Louisiana Trade Statistics

Louisiana Global Exports Continue Growth in Third Quarter

Following the overall growth of U.S. exports, Louisiana’s year-to-date 2011 worldwide merchandise exports increased by 45 percent in value over the same period in 2010, according to a report issued today by the World Trade Center of New Orleans. Through Q3 2011, Louisiana exports totaled $39.8 billion compared to $27.4 billion the previous year.
Louisiana’s principal export markets through the third quarter were China ($4.01 billion), Mexico ($3.99 billion), and Japan ($2.75 billion), followed by the Netherlands, Canada, Singapore, and Korea.

WTC CEO Dominik Knoll noted that “These numbers reflect Louisiana’s importance as one of the leading export centers in the world. This year we’ve seen not only strong growth in our agricultural and energy exports, but in manufacturing sectors as well.” Mr. Knoll added “Louisiana stands to be one the nation’s biggest beneficiaries of the recently signed free trade agreements with Colombia, Korea, and Panama, and the World Trade Center is ready to assist our members to expand their business in those markets. Korea, already our state’s seventh-largest export destination, offers tremendous opportunities for growth as tariffs on over one-third of Louisiana products are completely eliminated.”

Total U.S. exports were up almost 18 percent through the third quarter, with Louisiana ranking 7th among all states, compared to 9th for the same period in 2010. Among the top ten exporting states, Louisiana had the highest rate of growth, far outpacing Illinois’ 32 percent increase.

“2011 has been a very strong year in almost every sector for Louisiana,” said Larry Collins, Louisiana Economic Development Director of International Services. “Economic uncertainty in the Eurozone has had little impact so far–growth in exports to countries like the Netherlands, Spain and Belgium reflect the continued demand for our state’s products around the world.”

Don van de Werken, Director of the New Orleans U.S. Export Assistance Center, said “Recent approval by Congress for Free Trade Agreements with South Korea, Panama and Colombia are a positive step forward in creating additional export opportunities for Louisiana companies. Louisiana exports to these three nations should double in the coming years and this will help create additional income and job opportunities for local businesses.”

Energy, Agriculture Sectors Rise

Exports of petroleum and coal products saw a year-over-year increase of almost 78 percent to $13.5 billion, reflecting increased world-wide demand and higher prices. Oil and gas related exports soared in value through Q3, jumping 559 percent from $45.8 million in 2010 to $301.9 million in 2011. Louisiana’s other leading categories included agricultural products ($11.9 billion, up 37.25 percent), chemicals ($6.1 billion, up 31.5 percent), food products ($3.23 billion, up 15.4 percent), and minerals and ores ($1.3 billion, up 142 percent).

Louisiana Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain remarked that “The numbers prove once again that America’s agriculture and food sector, and Louisiana’s in particular, is highly competitive on a global scale–And with worldwide demand growing strongly over the coming decades, we will increasingly be called on to supply global markets with the food and fiber that they need.”

“We continue to see strong growth in demand for grain in China and Japan,” said Jerry Hingle, Executive Director of the New Orleans-based export development non-profit Southern U.S. Trade Association, noting that 66 percent of the state’s exports to China and 84 percent of its exports to Japan were in the agricultural sector. “There’s also significant interest in Louisiana food and cuisine around the world, and more Louisiana companies are realizing this and going international to grow their sales.”

Louisiana Ports See Gains in Vessel Weight, Dollar Values

The increase in total vessel weight for Louisiana’s ports through the third quarter was 11 percent compared to 2010, while total U.S. exports registered a 12.3 percent gain, according to the WTC report.

“Vessel traffic across all sectors is strong, driven by increased demand for U.S. exports,” said Gary LaGrange, President & CEO of the Port of New Orleans. “Both volumes and dollar values of those exports continue to rise and attract ancillary cargo, which shows the industrial strength of the Lower Mississippi River and the Port of New Orleans.”

The WTC report covers the exports of both Louisiana-originating products and some major commingled bulk commodities (especially grain and coal) that are produced in other states, shipped abroad from Louisiana’s ports, and recorded as Louisiana exports because of Department of the Census standards used to calculate exports.

The following charts summarize the data reported above.

Charts that provide information on 32 industry categories of Louisiana exports (NAICS) and 97 commodities (HS) to more than 200 countries worldwide, as well as export totals of other U.S. states, are available at the links below.


Data provided by World Institute for Strategic Economic Research (WISER) from U.S. Census Bureau, Foreign Trade Division.  All data Origin of Movement Series.