Shipping out: Midland exports up 57 percent in 2013

MIDLAND – The Midland MSA had merchandise exports totaling a record $164 million in 2013, up $60 million or 57 percent from 2012, according to the International Trade Administration of the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Key merchandise export categories for Midland in 2013 included:

• machinery;
• computer and electronic products;
• primary metal manufactures;
• fabricated metal products; and
• oil and gas.

“I believe it’s so imperative for Permian Basin manufacturers to keep a significant portion of their revenues focused on exports. It’s just good business — lending diversification to your business and a nice insurance policy for swings in the domestic market,” said Larry Richards, president and CEO of Hy-Bon Engineering.

Overall, Texas exported $60 billion in petroleum-related merchandise, followed by computers and other electronics, and then chemicals, said Dan Swart, director of the U.S. Commercial Service in North Texas.

The state’s top trading partner was Mexico, followed by Canada and then Brazil. China fell to fourth place.