Lexington Office

333 West Vine St.
1600 World Trade Cntr
Lexington, KY 40507
859-258-3139
Fax: 859-233-0658
admin@kwtc.org

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Louisville Office

224 South Second St.
Louisville, KY 40202
502-574-2400
Fax: 502-574-1585
kwtc@louisvilleky.gov

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World Trade Global Advantages

World Trade Global Advantages. In our changing global environment, international regulations and requirements are much stricter and better enforced. That's why it is essential that your company be aware of all the changes that affect your business and its international operations. Companies all across the state of Kentucky are actively engaged in the global marketplace and as a state, we are well placed to take advantage of the diverse benefits.

Local communities, government leaders, and educational institutions are working together to ensure that we maintain our competitive edge and ensure the future of our state. The Kentucky World Trade Center (KWTC) is at the forefront of doing business internationally and can help you as you navigate the seemingly complex web of the international system.

Exports: Kentucky's top trading partners are Canada, France, the United Kingdom, Mexico and Japan. During 2004, Kentucky’s exports increased significantly, further enhancing the state’s presence in the global economy. Kentucky exported nearly $13 billion of goods during 2004, ranking 19th among the 50 states and the
District of Columbia.

Kentucky’s exports accounted for 1.6% of the nation’s exports in 2004 compared to 1.0% in 1996. Kentucky’s exports have increased by $6.6 billion since 1996 and by $2.26 billion since 2003. Kentucky’s 2004 exports add approximately $4 billion to the Commonwealth’s gross state product and directly create 53,000 jobs. Kentucky exported $3,134 of goods per capita during 2004. Kentucky ranks 9th nationally in exports per capita.
Manufactured goods account for nearly 96.1 percent ($12.5 billion) of Kentucky’s exports. Agriculture accounts for 2.2% ($277 million), and minerals and ores account for less than 1% ($28.4 million). Kentucky’s exports induced an estimated $560 million in state and local taxes during 2004.

Kentucky Exports by Country 2000 - 2004 - Application requires Macromedia Flash

All countries KY exports (PDF)

Major Products: Transportation equipment ranked as Kentucky’s top export in 2004. Exports of transportation equipment valued $4.85 billion, approximately 37.3% of Kentucky’s total exports. Kentucky leads the nation in 2004 in turbojet and turboproller parts ($2.2 billion) exports. Chemicals remained Kentucky’s second largest export with respect to the value of export shipments. Chemical exports valued $2.3 billion during 2004.

Machinery and computer and electronic products are Kentucky’s third and fourth largest exports, respectively.Transportation equipment, chemicals, computer and electronic products, and machinery account for 71.8% of Kentucky’s 2004 exports.

Livestock is the only non-manufacturing industry among Kentucky’s top ten exports. Livestock ranks as Kentucky’s 10th largest export ($224 million). Kentucky is first in the nation in 2004 livestock exports and first in the nation in equine exports ($157.2 million).

Location: Companies such as Lexmark International, YUM!, GE, Ford, UPS, Tempur-Pedic, Toyota, Brown Foreman, Webasto, and many others have all chosen to locate in Kentucky due to our strategic geographic location to the rest of the United States.

Language Advantage: It is estimated that Kentuckians speak a total of 93 languages, from all linguistic groups and parts of the globe. Kentucky has a particularly strong representation of Spanish speakers. With the strong growth in recent years of foreign direct investment in Kentucky, there are also increasing numbers of German, Japanese, Dutch, Russian, and Chinese speakers. In general, Kentuckians are becoming more and more comfortable with foreign languages.

Top 10 Reasons Your Company Should Go Global:

1) Expand the market for your products
2) Increase sales and profits
3) Extend product life cycles
4) Create an outlet for saturated domestic capacity
5) Protect against seasonal downturns
6) Reduce impact of domestic business cycles
7) Outmaneuver your competition
8) Introduce new or modified products for export
9) Impact the local economy
10) Turn a small business into a larger one by exporting

Sister City/State Programs: The State of Kentucky is an active participant in the Sister City/Sister State programs in the United States, with 20 Kentucky cities, towns, and counties affiliated with a Sister City throughout the world.

 

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