U.S. Department of Commerce Kicks Off World Trade Month

Press Release

U.S. Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker today kicked off World Trade Month 2015 by reiterating the U.S. government's commitment to promoting international trade as part of the country's business strategy to diversify and continue advancing the nation's economic resurgence. U.S. exports reached a record high for a fifth consecutive year in 2014, totaling $2.34 trillion and supporting more than 11.7 million jobs. Exporting is essential to expanding our economy and creating opportunity for all Americans, especially as small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) experience exponential growth, hire more employees and increase wages as a result.

"World Trade Month recognizes and celebrates international trade but also raises awareness of the varied services the U.S. government provides to SMEs," said Secretary Pritzker. "Companies that export play a critical role in job creation and the overall strengthening of America's economy. President Obama has set an ambitious trade agenda that will open up more markets to 'Made in America' goods and services, allowing our businesses to sell their products to the 96 percent of the customers that live outside of our borders so they can expand and hire here at home."

Events are planned across the country during the month of May to promote trade and investment and highlight the impact that exports bring to national, state, and local economies through job creation and growth leading up to World Trade Week, May 17-23.

"Today, a small percentage of the nation's 30 million companies export," Pritzker added. "In fact, of all the U.S. companies that export, 59 percent only export to one country. Increasing this number, even by a small percentage, could have a big impact on our economy."

During World Trade Month, Deputy Secretary Bruce Andrews and Assistant Secretary for Industry and Analysis Marcus Jadotte will lead 20 U.S. companies on a cybersecurity business development mission to Romania and Poland, from May 11-15. The development mission will promote U.S. exports and expand U.S. companies' presence in Eastern and Central Europe by helping American firms launch or increase their business in the cybersecurity sector.

Also, as part of World Trade Month, the Department of Commerce will recognize export successes of U.S. companies at the 53rd Annual President's E-Awards Ceremony on May 18. The "E" Awards celebrate significant contributions to increasing our nation's exports and creating good-paying jobs. This year 45 companies from across the country that are growing the nation's economy through increased exports will be recognized

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