The Importance of Exports

Statement

With well over 90 percent of the world's consumers living outside the United States, we cannot understate the importance of trade to the Third District, our state and our nation.

Nebraska ranks as the country's number one exporter of animal hides and skins, second in livestock and meats, and is ranked third for the exportation of feed grains.

Trade supports nearly 223,000 jobs in Nebraska - nearly one in five jobs in our state. Nebraska agriculture producers depend on global demand of these products, having exported $2.8 billion worth of goods in 2005.

Nationwide, exports comprised 11.1 percent of U.S. Gross Domestic Product in 2006, the highest ever in dollar terms, up from 9.6 in 2002. In Nebraska total exports comprised 4.2 percent, making trade extremely important to our state's economic well being.

Our trading partners have responded favorably as demand for Nebraska products continues to rise, with both consumers and marketers recognizing the superior quality of our products.

It goes without saying opening new and strengthening existing markets is tremendously important to the Third Congressional District and the nation as a whole. It is a priority of mine to help Nebraska's producers and industries continue to compete and succeed in the global market.

To explore this topic further, on August 13th, I will be hosting Export 101, an international exports program at the University of Nebraska-Kearney which should prove to be educational and enlightening.

Experts from UNK, the U.S. Commercial Service, the Nebraska Department of Economic Development, and the private sector will join me for the event, which is free and open to the public.

The forum will also feature Nebraska businesses detailing their experiences and lessons learned through exporting products to the global marketplace, as well as information for those beginning to deal with the international market.

U.S. Department of Commerce Assistant Secretary for Trade Promotion Israel Hernandez, who also serves as Director General of the U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service, will deliver the keynote address.

To register or request additional information, send an e-mail to RSVPtoAdrian@mail.house.govThis e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , or contact my Grand Island office at (308)-384-3900.

In order for Nebraska businesses to grow and prosper, we need to not just compete in the international marketplace, but to succeed. I am committed to helping my fellow Nebraskans continuing to grow their businesses, and I welcome your attendance on August 13th.

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