Every week, the USTR website explores a new trade topic, with background information and current trade data. This week, U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk is joining U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Ambassadors from more than 60 countries on a tour of Iowa. This week's trade topic focuses on finding how trade helps Americans in states across the country.
Since 1986, Senator Grassley has invited all United States Ambassadors with embassies in Washington D.C. for a tour of Iowa. The tour delineates the many resources of the state, including its potential for international trade. This year, along with Ambassador Kirk, there will be 66 countries represented. You can track Ambassador Kirk's travel in Iowa on our blog.
USTR.GOV has a special feature that gives Americans data and information on how trade helps your individual state - your family, your neighbors, and your local businesses. At the grocery store, American consumers can find more affordable products due to international competition. With 95 percent of the world's consumers located outside of the United States, American businesses can expand their enterprises beyond our borders, providing better-paying jobs for all Americans. As Ambassador Kirk travels in Iowa this week, USTR.GOV is featuring trade information for that state. To find trade facts for your state, please visit ustr.gov.
Iowa Trade Facts
In Iowa, businesses are actively engaged in trade. More than 2,248 Iowa businesses exported goods in 2006. Small and medium-size businesses made up 81 percent of total business exports. These same small and medium size companies accounted for 21 percent of total exports for Iowa.
Manufacturing jobs supported by exports make up over seven percent of Iowa's private sector employment. Of all manufacturing jobs in Iowa, over 16 percent of workers rely on exports for their jobs.
Iowa's exports totaled $12.1 billion in 2008.
The largest countries receiving exports from Iowa in 2008 were: Canada ($3.8 billion), Mexico ($1.9 billion), Japan ($824 million), Germany ($573 million), Russia ($379 million)
The top export industries in 2008 were: Machinery manufactures ($3.5 billion), processed foods ($2.2 billion), chemical manufactures ($1.1 billion), computers and electronic products ($740 million)
