The U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration announced new export data that shows merchandise exports from the Shreveport- Bossier City metropolitan area totaled $351 million in 2013.

“The Department of Commerce is dedicated to assisting U.S. firms in meeting the needs of global consumers while strengthening our economy and supporting jobs throughout the Shreveport area and our nation,” Stefan M. Selig, Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade, said. “U.S. companies of all sizes are exploring the possible benefits of exporting, and looking beyond our borders to expand their customer base. More than 95 percent of potential consumers live outside the United States and crave the world-class products offered by American businesses.”

According to international trade figures released today by ITA, 156 U.S. metropolitan areas exported more than $1 billion in merchandise in 2013. More than 200 metropolitan areas registered positive export growth between 2012 and 2013 – with 134 reaching record export levels.

Key merchandise export categories for the Shreveport-Bossier City metropolitan area in 2013 included machinery, petroleum and coal products, fabricated metal products, chemicals and paper. Trading partners in the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation and NAFTA were the leading destinations for local exports.

The Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration works with American businesses of all sizes to identify export opportunities for their products and services to bolster President Obama’s National Export Initiative.