Georgia sets exports record for third straight year, pushed by civilian airplane products

Georgia exports hit an all-time high last year for the third year in a row, the state Department of Economic Development reported Wednesday.

The state exported $49.7 billion in goods in 2023, eclipsing the previous record of $47 billion set the year before. An estimated 87% of those exports came from small businesses.

“These numbers are further evidence of just how Georgia means opportunity for all,” Gov. Brian Kemp said Wednesday. “International trade touches every county in the state, supporting jobs in logistics, manufacturing, agriculture and more.”

Top exports for 2023 included civilian aircraft products, motor vehicles, turbojets and turbines, poultry, and pulp products. Canada, Mexico, China, Germany, and Singapore were the top destinations for Georgia exports.

State Commissioner of Economic Development Pat Wilson credited Georgia’s export successes to his agency’s representatives working in overseas markets.

“By leveraging their unique understanding of the markets where they’re located, they play a significant role in both the lives of our small businesses and in moving the needle to increase our state’s overall exports,” Wilson said.

Georgia’s top bilateral trading partners last year were Mexico, South Korea, Canada, China, and Germany, with notable year-over-year growth in trade between Georgia and South Korea. Markets where Georgia maintains full-time representation accounted for 67% of exports and 71% of bilateral trade in 2023.

This story was originally published February 15, 2024 at 11:10 AM.