Atlanta notched record $19 billion exports last year

The Atlanta metropolitan region exported $18.8 billion in goods last year, the U.S. Department of Commerce reported Tuesday.

The four percent surge over 2012 positioned Atlanta as the nation’s 18th largest metropolitan area for exports. The manufactured goods shipped beyond U.S. borders supported 202,000 jobs last year too, according to the feds.

“Exports continue to drive our economic growth and create jobs,” said U.S. Commerce undersecretary Stefan Selig. “U.S. companies of all sizes are exploring the possible benefits of exporting, and looking beyond our borders to expand their customer base.”

Key Georgia exports include: transportation equipment; machinery (except electrical); chemicals; paper; and food products. Canada, Mexico, China, the United Kingdom, and Japan were the leading destinations for Georgia exports.

Atlanta accounted for 55 percent of Georgia’s total merchandise exports, Commerce reported.

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