“Exports played a critical role in America’s economic comeback, and they continued to do so in 2014,” Pritzker said on Thursday. “President Obama has set an ambitious trade agenda that will open up more markets to ‘Made in America’ goods and services, allowing our businesses to sell their products all over the world so they can expand and hire here at home.”
US goods exports increased 2.7 percent to a record $1.64 trillion in 2012 in key sectors like capital and consumer goods, a Department of Commerce statement said.
Goods exports to the 20 economies in the US Free Trade agreement reached a record $765.1 billion with an increase of 4.3 percent from 2013, the statement said.
Key to the continued growth of US exports around the world, Pritzker said, is the passage of trade promotion legislation and the enactment of strong trade agreements that uphold American values.
Pritzker also said the agreements will help create jobs, create economic security for families, increase national security, and heighten the US’ competitiveness.
In 2013, US exports supported 11.3 million jobs, an increase of 1.6 million export-supported jobs since 2009, the statement said.