Utah’s merchandise exports in 2007 were $7.8 billion. By the end of the 2008-2009 fiscal year that ends June 30, the number may exceed $14.0 billion. Key exports include electronics, computers, aircraft components and other commodities such as custom food items and heritage craft products. There are over 2500 companies involved in exporting, 85% of which are small or medium-sized enterprises with fewer than 500 employees. It is estimated that as many as 250,000 jobs in Utah are sustained by international exports. Approximately one out of every five manufacturing jobs in the state is an export industry job.
As Governor Jon Huntsman steps on to the world stage as the new U.S. Ambassador to China, he becomes Utah’s newest export. Given his ability to drive commerce to the State of Utah, even if it is done in his spare time, the State will richly benefit from his presence in China. He will likely inspire many new small businesses in Utah to move on to the world stage as well and become part of this emerging sector of opportunity.
Tags: ambassador, China, exports, Huntsman, international, Utah
I hope people of Utah realize what an important role the Ambassador will play in bringing their state to the table in new development between states for energy and technology; especially if someone decides to offer chinese language training to all of the returned missionaries who want to learn the next language of the new millenium. The fact that President Obama had the courage to send a true Statesman and not a political opportunist; this says a lot about our young president, and the future of our role as ambassadors to the nations of the world, if we make an effort to connect with the languages and cultures on our neighbors who have been largely ignored by politicians who seek popular support and not the welfare of ZION.