U.S. Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker announced today that U.S. merchandise exports totaled a record $781 billion in the first six months of 2013 (January through June), up $8 billion from the same period in 2012. Seventeen states set records for June 2013 year-to-date merchandise exports, including Texas, New York, Washington, Michigan and Louisiana.

“With seventeen states reaching record highs for merchandise exports in the first six months of 2013, it is clear that the Obama administration’s efforts to promote exports are paying off for American businesses,” said Secretary Pritzker. “While there is more work to do, the Department of Commerce remains committed to helping U.S. companies compete in the global marketplace in order to continue the growth of U.S. exports and the jobs they support year after year.”

Merchandise exports from Texas grew the most in dollar terms, rising $4.3 billion to $134.4 billion. Washington (up $3.8 billion), New York (up $2.8 billion), Kentucky (up $1.4 billion), and Louisiana ($960 million) were the next largest.

U.S. exports of transportation equipment expanded the most during the first half of 2013, compared to the same period in 2012. Exports of transportation equipment from Washington (up $4.0 billion), primary metals from New York (up $3.1 billion) and computer and electronic products from Texas (up $2.2 billion), grew the most in dollar terms during that period.

Exports are an important driver of U.S. economic growth. Total merchandise exports from all 50 states contributed to a record $2.2 trillion in goods and services exports in 2012, which supported nearly 10 million jobs. Through the first six months of 2013, U.S. exports are on track for another record year and will help support the President’s National Export Initiative goal of expanding U.S. exports and supporting American jobs.

More information about individual state contribution to national exports is available through the International Trade Administration’s Office of Trade and Industry Information web page:www.trade.gov/mas/ian/statereports. An interactive map with national and state merchandise trade data is also available here: http://tse.export.gov/TSE/.