According to government data, the US set another record year for goods and service exports for 2014. This marks the fifth consecutive year for a 2014 total of $2.35 trillion in exports. Twenty-six states set new export records including Georgia.
The state of Georgia noted $39.4bn in exports with the top three goods being transportation equipment ($10.1bn), machinery, except electrical ($4.6bn) and chemicals ($4.0bn). More than 40% of Georgia’s goods exports went to free trade partners. In fact, over the past ten years, goods exports from Georgia to these markets grew by 69% with sales to Canada, Mexico, South Korea and Australia showing the largest dollar growth over this period.
Over the years, Georgia has taken a greater role in international trade by focusing on logistics. Its state freight and logistics plan won “Best in Class” from the US Department of Transportation on account of it setting out and prioritizing freight corridors throughout the state.
In addition, the state established the Georgia Center of Innovation for Logistics to assist in this endeavor. Jannine Miller took over the helm of the group at the beginning of the year and is excited to expand its role. Prior to this new position, she was former Governor Perdue’s transportation advisor and was instrumental in designing and setting up Atlanta’s innovative optional toll roads.
Ti sat down with Ms. Miller in February to discuss the state’s plans and such. Georgia’s plans for prioritizing freight corridors continue and will be particularly important due to the fact that the four major modes of transportation – road, rail, air and ocean – are not only growing quickly in their own right but also in varying combinations of modes.
In addition, port expansions continue on schedule and a focus on perishables/cold chain is also ongoing at not only the port but the Atlanta Hartsfield Jackson International airport as well.
While the Georgia Center of Innovation for Logistics main purpose is to grow the state’s logistics industry and expand trade, it also plays host to the annual Georgia Logistics Summit. Scheduled for March 31 and April 1, it has become one of the largest such events with over 2,000 in attendance in 2013 representing 38 states and 11 countries. For more information and to register please click here. Ti’s senior analyst, Cathy Roberson will also be in attendance and available to chat throughout the summit as well.
