Statement from U.S. Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker on International Trade in Goods and Services in September 2013

U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker issued the following statement today on the release of the September 2013 U.S. International Trade in Goods and Services data. U.S. exports of goods and services dropped slightly to $188.9 billion, from $189.3 billion in August. Exports through the first three quarters of 2013 totaled nearly $1.7 trillion, with consumer goods, automotive vehicles and parts, and travel and tourism driving year-to-date export growth.

Since President Obama launched the National Export Initiative (NEI) in 2010, an ambitious plan to sell more American goods and services into foreign markets, the United States has seen an increase of 1.3 million export-supported jobs. The NEI is the first Presidential-led, government-wide export promotion strategy. Through the initiative’s focus on improving trade promotion and advocacy, reducing barriers and enforcing trade rules, U.S. exports have continued to grow. The U.S. exported a record $2.2 trillion dollars last year, up more than $600 billion from 2009.

“Today’s data shows that, while we have a lot more work to do, exports through the third quarter of 2013 keep us on track for yet another record year,” said Secretary Pritzker. “U.S. exports are a bright spot in our economic recovery and support nearly 10 million jobs, including 1.3 million new jobs since 2009. In order to strengthen our economy, the U.S. Department of Commerce is committed to helping more U.S. companies increase exports, expand to new markets and compete in the global marketplace.” 

Fact sheet (PDF)