Louisiana Trade Statistics

Louisiana 2011 Exports Set All-Time Record

Louisiana’s 2011 worldwide merchandise exports increased by 33.3 percent over 2010, breaking the previous single-year record set in 2008, according to a report released by the World Trade Center of New Orleans. For the year, Louisiana exports totaled $55.12 billion, compared with $41.35 billion in 2010 and far exceeding the previous record of $41.9 billion.

Louisiana’s principal export markets for 2011 were China ($7.34 billion, up 13.1 percent), Mexico ($5.69 billion, up 105 percent), and Japan ($3.85 billion, up 25.5 percent), followed by the Netherlands, Canada, Korea, Singapore, and Brazil.

“Louisiana can be very proud of what was accomplished in 2011. Our success is a reflection of cooperation between our great ports and transportation system, our economic development agencies, our agriculture industry and food producers, and all the businesses, large and small, which are growing their companies through international trade,” WTC CEO Dominik Knoll said. “The World Trade Center is very aggressively pursuing activities to continue this kind of export growth and in 2012 we’ll expand our efforts through training, trade missions, and other services that will keep our members on the leading edge of international trade and investment. Once again, we see the benefit of a strong partnership between WTCNO and the State of Louisiana,” Knoll said.

Exports for all 50 states and Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the District of Columbia also set a record in 2011, totaling $1.48 trillion, a 15.8 percent increase over 2010. Louisiana ranked 7th among U.S. states, with the highest rate of export growth among the Top 20.

Donald van de Werken, director of the United States Export Assistance Center in New Orleans, highlighted some of the factors influencing Louisiana’s record year.

“As in 2010 and again in 2011, Louisiana natural resources were a significant reason for 33 percent increase in total Louisiana exports. Louisiana manufacture of chemicals and refined products has continued to see strong export potential (increase 28 percent) to rapid growth markets such as China, Mexico, South Korea and Chile. Food products continue to find new market potential in Latin America and the EU. U.S. Free Trade Agreements approved by Congress have doubled and in some cases tripled Louisiana exports to markets like South Korea, Mexico and Chile. Ports handling coal and other natural resources continue outstanding export activity, growing 74 percent,” van de Werken said.

Energy, Agriculture Sectors Lead

The value of Louisiana’s petroleum and coal exports rose almost 75 percent in 2011, from $10.8 billion to $18.9 billion, reflecting growing global demand and higher prices. Agriculture exports followed at $17.3 billion, up 14.18 percent, with chemicals ($8.14 billion, up 29 percent), food manufactures ($4 billion, up 2.2 percent), and minerals and ores ($1.7 billion, up 117 percent) rounding out the state’s top five industries.

“U.S. agriculture exports reached a record-breaking $136 billion in 2011,” said Jerry Hingle, executive director of the New Orleans-based Southern United States Trade Association. Exports of most commodities, as well as value-added consumer-ready food, soared to markets such as Canada, Mexico, China and other key Asian destinations. “For Louisiana, this is big news. More agricultural products leave our shores than any other state in the nation. Bulk commodities were aided by a competitive dollar and short international supplies, and international demand for Louisiana food and cuisine continues to rise. This is great news not only for farmers in our state but also for the thousands of jobs here in Louisiana created through international trade.”

Louisiana Ports See Gains in Vessel Weight

Louisiana ports registered a gain of 6.3 percent in vessel weight, compared with the U.S. increase of 9.66 percent. Vessel weight measures the growth in the volume of exports as opposed to the dollar value alone.

“This is great news for the entire maritime community and mirrors the activity at the Port of New Orleans,” said Gary LaGrange, president and CEO of the Port of New Orleans. “All indications are we can expect this type of export performance to continue throughout 2012.”

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.

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  from U.S. Census Bureau, Foreign Trade Division.  All data Origin of Movement Series.