Trade & Development - Ports

OAKLAND, Calif. – Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade Francisco Sánchez and American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) President and Chief Executive Officer Kurt Nagle today announced a new partnership to support President Obama’s goal of doubling exports by 2014.  

“Ocean transport carries more U.S. international merchandise than air cargo, trucks, railroads, and pipelines combined,” Sánchez said at the Port of Oakland. “This new partnership with America’s seaports will expand U.S. exports through increased education and outreach to U.S. businesses, creating a win/win situation for everyone.”

U.S. seaports are a critical conduit for most U.S. merchandise trade, with more than US$455 billion in exports flowing through America’s sea ports in 2010.

The partnership will assist U.S. seaports leverage federal and local resources to help new-to-export small and medium-sized firms to achieve export sales. The AAPA and the Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration will help interested ports develop and host industry-led workshops, seminars, and other events that provide exporters with a basic knowledge of export requirements.

“AAPA has been a strong supporter of the National Export Initiative,” Nagle said. “We believe a collaborative approach between the Department of Commerce and America’s seaports is the best way to ensure the success of this important national initiative and American businesses.”

For ocean exporters, U.S. seaports are the nexus between the United States and the global economy. More than 75 percent of U.S. merchandise trade by volume – and more than 36 percent by value – leaves the United States by water.

Later today, Sánchez attends a clean technology roundtable discussion in Richmond, Calif., to promote upcoming trade missions to India and Turkey that focus on clean technology and renewable energy industry sectors.

Sánchez will also present an Export Achievement Certificate to GeothermEx, Inc., a Richmond-based geothermal consulting and services firm, recognizing the company’s successful exporting efforts.

For more information about the new seaports partnership, please visit www.export.gov/ports.