On Tuesday, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp announced that his state has achieved a record-breaking year in international trade for the second year in a row.
In 2022, Georgia’s total trade was more than $196 billion. According to the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD), Georgia had more than $47 billion in exports last year, breaking the previous record that was set in 2021 by almost $5 billion.
“For the second year in a row, Georgia has shattered international trade records,” said Kemp. “I’m proud that 85 percent of exporters were small businesses, reaching from the Port of Savannah to the North Georgia mountains and everywhere in between. Every county in the state contributed to this success, and this is just the latest sign that opportunity can be found in every zip code in Georgia. As we further build on these milestones, I want to thank the hardworking men and women of the Georgia Ports Authority, Hartsfield-Jackson – the nation’s most utilized airport – and GDEcD’s International Trade team for all they do to help drive success in our No. 1 state for business.”
As explained in a press release from Kemp’s office, “With Georgia companies exporting to 216 unique destinations, the state ranks 11th in the U.S. for dollar value of exports, up one spot from 2021. Aerospace products remain Georgia’s No. 1 export, totaling $9.2 billion in 2022, and Georgia is the fifth-largest aerospace exporter in the U.S. Also of note, agriculture and forestry product exports increased by 21 percent in 2022 to $5.46 billion. GDEcD maintains trade representation in seven of the top 10 export markets.”
GDEcD Commissioner Pat Wilson announced the news alongside Kemp.
“Georgia is a global gateway because of consistent investment in our logistics infrastructure and strategic relationships around the world,” said Wilson. “Today’s success is the result of a decades-long vision shared by Georgia leaders since the first international trade offices were opened fifty years ago. The International Trade team, international representatives, and economic development partners across the state open the doors to new opportunities, helping companies achieve transformational success in global markets.”