Alexandria area sets record with $111 million in goods exports

The Alexandria metro area set a record for goods exports in 2015, according to a new report.

The International Trade Administration’s 2015 Metropolitan Area Export Overview indicates that goods exports from the Alexandria metro area reached a record $111 million.

Alexandria’s goods exports increased by $16 million, or 16.3 percent, from 2014 to 2015.

“Exports continue to be a source of growth for the Alexandria economy,” U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker said in a news release.

“Alexandria is one of 63 metropolitan areas across our nation that set a record for goods exports last year. The Department of Commerce continues to focus its services on assisting more Alexandria-based firms sell their ‘Made in America’ products to global consumers, which will support additional growth and good-paying jobs.”

Erin Butler, director of CS New Orleans, said the Alexandria area record is great news.

“When we see an increase like 16 percent in exports for our community, we definitely have to recognize the hard work these companies and employees put in to ensuring their product or service successfully reaches international markets,” Butler said.