Go Global: Georgia Resources Put Businesses on the Map Worldwide
It’s incredible to consider that Georgia-made products and services are available in nearly every country in the world. Georgia products reached 215 unique countries and territories in 2021, thanks to a large number of diverse and innovative companies across the state. In addition to agribusiness and AgTech, the Peach State is also home to scores of businesses in key industries like manufacturing, logistics, and aerospace, all of which contribute to Georgia’s export economy in a big way.
Georgia’s superior logistics network, statewide resources, and long-term cultivation of international relationships are key reasons why Georgia businesses can tap into resources to help ramp up their exports, and sustain and create new jobs within the state.
Georgia Companies Respond to Increased Export Opportunities
One company that has found success in international trade is Atlanta-based Trans Globe, a complete agribusiness provider that exports feed, grains, and forage, domestically and globally. Over the past three years, the company’s primary source of revenue has been international sales. In 2021, they expanded sales in 26 foreign countries – entering eight new markets for the very first time. The company describes itself as a unique ambassador for U.S. farmers and agribusiness processors and is just one example of the integral part agribusinesses play in Georgia exports. The state’s agriculture and forestry exports grew to $4.88 billion in 2021, a 13% increase from the previous year.
While Trans Globe has over 25 years of experience in the international scene, other businesses have found themselves pivoting to international trade after achieving growth on the domestic scene. Emanuel County’s Crider Foods, a processor and marketer of fully cooked and shelf-stable food products, has been in operation in Georgia since 1977. Crider Foods expanded its market globally in 2012, and today does business in 20 countries! The company attributes its success in part to resources made available by the state of Georgia, including the services of the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD)’s International Trade team, which provides free services to companies looking to expand sales to global markets.
By the Numbers: Record-Breaking Trade
As individual companies grow and expand their sales internationally, Georgia is setting new records for total trade, reaching more than $166 billion across 223 countries and territories in 2021. This is a 20% growth over the previous year, and 16% higher than the record set in 2019.
Exports increased 9% to $42.36 billion, a new record. This growth is representative of the dedication of Georgia businesses to grow and diversify their international sales, earning the state the rank of 12th largest exporting state the nation. Georgia’s International Trade office announced these record-breaking numbers earlier this year. The full 2021 International Trade Report is available online.
What Does Trade Mean for Local Economies?
The economic impact of the billions of dollars brought by international trade can be felt in communities across the state – in addition to metro Atlanta and key port cities. Exports sustain thousands of businesses statewide, with manufacturing and agricultural exports coming from every single county in Georgia. More than 85% of these exporters are small and medium-sized businesses that provide jobs to citizens within their communities and contribute to the local tax base.
Georgia Infrastructure, Warehouses Set Up Businesses for Success
Georgia’s export success is supported by the robust infrastructure and workforce needed to move goods across the state and into international markets.
Logistics infrastructure and the logistics industry play an integral part in the state’s reputation as an internationally recognized trade hub. Georgia is home to over 32,000 businesses in the transportation, warehousing, logistics, and delivery services sectors. Many logistics giants like Delta Air Lines, UPS, Amazon, Norfolk Southern, and others have headquarters in Georgia.
Along with a system of highways, railroads, and inland ports, Georgia’s logistics ecosystem includes two major assets that provide direct access to U.S. and global markets: Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and the Port of Savannah. These assets allow Georgia to support its growing manufacturing, distribution, and retail sectors and help the state stay competitive around the world.
Today, one in every nine jobs in Georgia owes its existence to logistics, an increase from 1 in every 14 jobs in 2018. On average, for every direct job in the logistics industry, 1.11 additional jobs exist in other industries due to spending related to logistics providers.
Working hand in hand with logistics, the state’s warehouse infrastructure is also booming, particularly around the Port of Savannah in Chatham County. Five years ago, the Savannah region maintained 50 million square feet of warehousing, and by the time current construction projects are complete, that number will be doubled.
Trade Specialists: Making Global Connections Your Way
The majority of companies in Georgia are small, and this trend is mirrored in the international trade sector. GDEcD’s International Trade specialists engage with more than 2,000 Georgia companies each year.
The Trade team consults with Georgia exporters and will go the extra mile to understand individual business needs and provide customized assistance. With in-country representatives in 12 strategic markets, GDEcD can provide Georgia business with market intelligence to guide business decisions and access to vetted buyers.
This award-winning team also offers opportunities to join the State at international tradeshows and events and direction to sources of financial assistance. Financial assistance includes Georgia’s Go Global Georgia grant, which provides reimbursement to eligible Georgia exporters for pre-approved export activities.
Georgia’s export team is a true partner for Georgia businesses wanting to increase exports. For more information about how GDEcD helps Georgia-based businesses grow internationally, connect with them at georgia.org/international/trade.
For more information about trade-related news, business opportunities, and upcoming events, subscribe to the monthly international trade e-newsletter.
-Posted May 26, 2022