Illinois Facts

o                                Illinois placed fifth among the fifty states in total exports last year with over $48 billion in international shipments.

o                                Illinois' total exports for 2007 represented a more than $6.6 billion increase (15.8%) from 2006. This total is 4% better than the national average of 12% for all U.S. states as a whole.

o                                In 2007, products from Illinois were sent to 217 countries.

o                                Top countries for Illinois' exports are Canada, Mexico, Germany, Australia, the U.K., Japan, Netherlands and China.

o                                89% of Illinois exporters were small and medium-sized businesses.

o                                18.3% of all manufacturing jobs in Illinois were supported by exports in 2005.

o                                Direct exports accounted for 7.1%  of the Gross State Product (GSP) in 2006.

o                                Wages for workers in manufacturing and service exporting sectors, where Illinois is strongest, substantially exceed the U.S. average.

o                                International sales are the key to long-term business survival in today’s competitive global environment. Illinois industries with significant export potential include: Industrial Machinery, Computer/Electronic Products, Electrical & Transportation Equipment, Chemicals, Plastics, Metals and Food Products.


16% Increase in Exports for 2007”- Press Release:
http://www.illinoisbiz.biz/dceo/News/pr03212008.htm
For more information regarding the Economic Impact of Illinois Exports and Foreign Direct Investment, please
click here.