Topic Category: U.S.

While the majority of trade in the United States is done by large companies, it is no secret that their small and medium sized cousins (SMEs hereafter) are also eager to take advantage of the many opportunities offered by international activities. One defining aspect of SMEs is that their operations are generally located in one state, though they may have activities in several.

SMEs’ particular location within the U.S. immediately takes on significance for one simple reason. When it comes to international trade and trade assistance, no two states are alike. Few SMEs take these regional facts into consideration but could benefit greatly by learning more about the international activities and programs of their home states.

State Data Is Difficult To Obtain

The typical SME has ample national information available to it. It is easy to find government sources that together provide a wide array of domestic national and state information, from wages and employment to income and sales. It is also pretty simple to find U.S. international information. The government publishes a wide variety of data and analysis about immigration, imports, exports, capital flows, exchange rates, and more.

But what is more difficult is locating information about state international transactions. It is tedious, costly, or next to impossible to find information about many of the above international transactions for a given state or group of states.

How many workers produce exports in Louisiana? How many foreign born workers in Florida are from Argentina and Brazil? What is the value of the business services exported from New York? Can I get an accurate accounting of agricultural exports in Kansas? How much business services does North Carolina import?

Why State Data Is Essential

Why would a company want these kinds of state-oriented data on international transactions? There are several reasons why any company should be interested. First, international trade is becoming more important. If other companies in your state are engaged in more international business, then you might want to know why.

Second, international threats and opportunities are a constant source of change in the business environment. Because of the special supply chain that typifies your state, the impacts in your area may differ significantly from those in other states. To be well informed, you need to know what is going on around you.

Third, state governments have international policy tools that complement or sometimes may substitute or compete with national programs. A business doing international deals needs to know what its state is doing to promote trade.

Fourth, not all states are equal when it comes to assisting internationally-minded businesses. Knowing what other states do is important. A company that sees better support and opportunities in other states can lobby its state government, and failing a good resolution, can always locate to a more supportive place.

What You Can and Can’t Learn

Knowing what you can and can’t learn about a state’s international transactions is equally important. You can find information about a state’s manufacturing exports relatively easily. The U.S. Census publishes state level information for each state’s manufactured exports. This data is very rich, with breakdowns by country destination and industry. You can get monthly or quarterly data, and you can choose between data that is organized by North American International Classification (formerly Standard Industrial Code, SIC Code) industries or by Schedule B Commodity codes.

These sources of data for a state’s manufactured exports can be useful for seeing growth patterns in exports of, for example, pharmaceuticals. You can see how fast your state’s pharmaceuticals exports are growing by country. And you can compare your state’s growth to another state or to the nation.

One weakness in this data is its inability to measure “indirect” exports. For example, if you live in a state that produces steering wheels and some of those steering wheels are assembled into automobiles in another state, you might never know how many of your steering wheels are being shipped to foreign countries. Your steering wheels are indirect exports, but the government statistics are silent about that.

A second problem with the measurement of manufactured exports at state level is that some goods get commingled with others at ports. This problem is especially significant for very homogeneous products that are often stored at ports before being shipped. This means that these products lose their “state identities” and gain the identity of the state of the port of exit. This problem arises because the last party to ship the goods incorrectly completes a form called a Shippers Export Declaration Form (SED).

This form asks for the address of the shipper, as well as the state from which the majority of the value of the item was produced. The last shipper may simply put his own address and state on this form. Thus, states that have a major port often get credited for more exports than they really produce. Other states are credited less.

This problem is especially important for agricultural products. For example, while the U.S. Census Bureau reported Indiana agricultural exports in 2000 to be $289 million, our estimates suggest a range of between $700 million and $3 billion.

State Service Export Data Vital

We all know a preponderance of U.S. employment and a majority of output are classified as services. Plus, manufacturing has become a smaller share of U.S. business for many decades. While most U.S. trade is in manufactured goods, it is also true that trade in services is growing—and at a much faster pace than manufactured goods.

Although we have a large trade deficit in goods, the U.S. has a surplus in services trade. As such, the whole issue of outsourcing relates to the importing or exporting of business services. But the truth is that we know little about the state origins of business and personal services exports.

Even though the U.S. government publishes data at the national level, it publishes no information about the state breakdown. This means we are in virtual information darkness when a state’s firms sell any of the following services to foreigners: shipping, travel, insurance, banking, recreation, entertainment warehousing, health, education and various specific business services (e.g. accounting, consulting, drafting).

If there are regional patterns of change that present international opportunities or threats to specific states, we are unable to find out about them through regularly published official data.

Exports and Employment

The U.S. government used to publish periodic special reports about exports and export-related employment in states. These reports, based on the Census of Manufacturing, were discontinued several years ago.

By studying the production and sales relations of many companies, the Census Department was able to identify the relationship between export sales and export employment. They also made separate estimates of direct manufacturing employment and supporting employment, where the latter included estimates of employment necessary to support the export of a directly exported good (e.g. shipping, warehousing, advertising).

Discontinuing these reports means that anyone interested in understanding more about how much of the state’s labor force is involved with an export supply chain must do the original work himself.

Information on Imports Missing

If you are interested in the number of immigrants, foreign-born persons or U.S. subsidiaries of foreign companies in your state, this information is available, but well concealed in various places in the U.S. Department of Labor and U.S. Department of Commerce. But what you can’t find anywhere are any state breakdown of imports.

The U.S. government makes no attempt to track and publish where goods or services go when they enter the U.S. If, for example, you are sensing more foreign competition for a particular local industry in your state, you have to use your own research time and effort to find out where it is coming from.

Information Is Power

The upshot of this: we identify with states. We mostly live and work in one state, and likely compete in several states. But as of today, we have very little regularly published information about the international economic activities and international policies of our own state or others. We need more information to make sound business decisions. And we need to know if our state governments have the best knowledge about current international changes and opportunities. This kind of information will help us to know if our states are doing the best they can to offer business services and assistance that will support the most conducive environment for international growth and change.

In today’s politically-charged global environment, U.S. companies operating abroad are scrutinized more than ever. In fact, some international business executives say they have been unfairly criticized and targeted by foreign organizations unhappy with various U.S. policies.

Consequently, U.S. direct investment abroad—and the impact of that investment—have become a lightning rod for some groups with ill will toward America. But a closer look at U.S. investment abroad and its impact reveals many benefits to host countries.

American Companies Often Promote Positive Changes

In 2003, the U.S. foreign direct investment (FDI) position abroad, measured on a cumulative historical-cost basis, reached almost $1.8 trillion. But some anti-American organizations would have you believe that U.S. investment in developing countries is harmful to host country workers and environments. A careful look at the record indicates this is not true.

Although exceptions exist, American manufacturers who invest in developing countries typically offer higher wages and better working conditions than do domestic companies. This makes jobs at U.S. facilities highly prized, and over time leads to improved worker protection at all levels.

Through American operating standards and business practices, U.S. companies often serve as agents of change, charting paths for other foreign and domestic companies to follow. This strategy, which is good for business, results in greater employee loyalty, less absenteeism, higher morale and increased productivity.

U.S. Foreign Direct Investment Does Not Typically Seek Lax Standards

Anti-American organizations, as well as anti-trade and business groups, promulgate the notion that U.S. manufacturers investing abroad typically seek countries with cheap labor costs and weak environmental regulations in order to gain a competitive advantage.

Their argument is based on the notion that weak environmental and worker standards give producers in poor countries a significant cost advantage. They also theorize that this puts pressure on other countries to lower their standards in order to compete, prompting a “race to the bottom.”

If this were correct, investment would be flowing to underdeveloped countries with the poorest labor and environmental records. In reality, the opposite is true.

Developing countries tend to attract only a small portion of America’s foreign direct investment. For example, in 2001, 94 percent of U.S. manufacturing investment abroad was directed in high-wage countries. Political stability, education and productivity levels, communications and transportation infrastructure, the rule of law, proximity to market, and the ability to repatriate profits are the most important determinants of capital flows.

Greater Resources Allocated To Environmental Concerns

Over the last several years, environmental issues have received a great deal of attention both in the United States and abroad. Global warming, climate change and ozone depletion, among other concerns, are increasingly raising eyebrows.

In addition to the negative impact on the environment, ignoring these concerns can have a disastrous affect on a company’s relationship with its host community.

U.S. companies understand this well and realize that satisfying foreign environmental standards—that may regulate toxic releases, compliance with air permits, hazardous waste management, and worker health and safety practices—is essential.

In fact, U.S. firms often go beyond what’s required, take steps involving local recycling, and implement pollution reducing innovations and techniques. In turn, this generates good will toward U.S. companies in their host country communities.

In reality, little incentive exists to establish facilities in countries with weak standards. Plus, complying with environmental regulations typically accounts for less than 1 percent of production costs of industries in Western countries. In addition, good corporate citizenship is increasingly receiving favorable attention from institutional investors. They are well aware of the financial damages caused by companies with poor labor and environmental records.

Good Corporate Citizenship Pays Off

U.S. corporate good works, which often focus on philanthropy and community involvement, span a variety of initiatives and activities. These works include supporting local infrastructure development, promoting health care and education, and advancing agricultural practices.

Beginning in 1991, Procter & Gamble, for example, invested millions of dollars in a Czech Republic consumer products company that produced detergent and liquid cleaners. By applying P & G’s worldwide environmental standards, the facility was able to reduce boiler emissions by 99 percent and solid waste by nearly 6,000 metric tons.

In addition to environmental improvements, P & G introduced a competitive compensation program and unique employee benefits, such as loans to renovate apartments and houses, supplementary income payments during illness, maternity leave, and language studies.

P & G also annually donated considerable funds to the development of local education, health care, environmental protection and social institutions. So impressed with these practices, Czech Republic President Vaclav Havel said P & G “could serve as a model for other investors.”

Good Citizenship Is Good Business

Although not all U.S. firms operating abroad subscribe to P & G’s high standards, most companies believe that good corporate citizenship is simply good business, and that it encourages a long and prosperous relationship with the host government, workers and consumers.

Nevertheless, Americans working and traveling abroad often become the targets of anger directed toward the United States or its allies. And American FDI, which enormously benefits host country workers and environments, unfortunately is a target on the global public relations front. But in the end, good corporate activity pays off in terms of good will and business success. And that is something the world will always need.

Many Republican and Democratic politicians fear offshoring will result in fewer good jobs for American workers. This is understandable since some activities include the movement of knowledge-intensive services to India and other countries with educated, less expensive, English-speaking labor pools.

But careful analysis reveals that worldwide sourcing — made possible by new technologies that digitize and cheaply transmit information around the world — provides real benefits.

History tells us that new technologies and improved business strategies displace jobs. For example, automobile workers replaced buggy makers, and ATMs, voice mail and voice recognition software eliminated bank teller, receptionist and medical transcription jobs.

Consider this. The U.S. economy loses an average of 31 million jobs annually. But new jobs are created even faster. The proof: America generated 60 million net jobs since 1970. And according to the Labor Department, the U.S. will generate another 21.3 million net jobs from 2002 through 2012.

New technologies, innovation and higher productivity, the primary causes of job churn, increase wages and improve living standards. In turn, new industries and higher-skilled jobs emerge. Thus, Forrester Research’s estimate of 3.3 million service jobs moving offshore by 2015 represents a fraction of job churn.

Higher-tech jobs most likely to be outsourced, like computer programming and software design, are projected actually to increase here at home, according to the Labor Department. What’s more, by 2012, all U.S. computer-related occupations are estimated to grow by 15 to 57 percent. Lower-tech jobs prone to outsourcing, such as bookkeeping and customer service, also are projected to increase in the U.S.

How does offshoring lead to better jobs? The McKinsey Global Institute estimates two-thirds of economic benefits from outsourcing services to India flow back here. Firms that outsource generate higher profits, have more capital to invest in R&D, become more globally competitive and are better positioned to expand sales worldwide — creating higher-paid jobs.

Catherine Mann of the Institute for International Economics says offshoring of computer manufacturing resulted in a 10 to 30 percent drop in computer costs. In turn, sales of PCs soared. This led to a rapid rise in U.S. productivity and added $230 billion in cumulative GDP from 1995 through 2002. The result: Many new jobs emerged, far exceeding those lost to outsourcing.

If applied to select medical services and other fields, offshoring could reduce costs and generate new waves of innovation, resulting in better jobs not yet imagined.

Fear of a "giant sucking sound" is unfounded. In reality, the U.S. service sector will significantly expand. And since the industry has become more sophisticated, average hourly earnings for service production workers have already caught up to those in manufacturing.

In 1940, 9.5 million U.S. workers were employed on farms. By 2003, new technologies reduced this number to 2.3 million. And U.S. agricultural output is tremendously higher. America did not "lose" 7.2 million farm jobs; they shifted to emerging industries.

Job losses, which should not be taken lightly, cause anxiety and provoke various responses. In the early 19th century, the English Luddites attempted to destroy textile machines because they replaced weavers. Something similar is happening today. Numerous pieces of federal and state legislation have emerged that, if enacted, will penalize companies that outsource.

Although our policymakers have good intentions, their protectionist actions could disrupt Joseph Schumpeter’s process of "creative destruction": where the new destroys the old. This process, which promotes job creation, produced almost 1.2 million net jobs from January through May 2004, albeit slowly due to recovery from recession, terrorism and war.

The American workforce is the most productive and flexible in the world. As new knowledge industries and job opportunities emerge, it’s important to give our workers the tools they need to be competitive. Policies supporting life-long learning, not protectionism, will help prepare our workers for the challenges ahead.

For many Hudson Valley-based businesses, a U.S. economic slowdown will mean fewer domestic sales, hurting local companies and workers. However, through an effective export strategy, local firms and workers can shelter themselves from economic hardship.

Additionally, this will generate high-paying jobs, strengthen local companies and farms, and improve the region’s tax base — while sending export revenue to local restaurants, retail stores, etc. However, in order for Hudson Valley exporters to sell more goods and services abroad, Congress needs to forge new trade agreements that further open foreign markets.

U.S. exports account for almost one-third of real U.S. economic growth and a very large portion of New York’s economic development. Consequently, the income of local workers and farmers, and the growth prospects of New York-based businesses are pegged to international trade.

These are the key findings released on March 9th in a new Business Roundtable report, "International Trade Benefits New York," that I authored. Plus, the report reveals:

• International trade is a primary generator of business and job growth in the New York City region.
• From 1993 - 1998, New York City metro area’s merchandise exports to Canada and Mexico, our NAFTA partners, rose by 38%, while decreasing 6% to the rest of the world.
• NAFTA has created a net increase in jobs in New York.
• Less than 2% of non-farm workers are at risk from imports, which offer consumers greater choices at attractive prices. Imports allow families to purchase more goods with more disposable income available for education, healthcare, home mortgages, etc. And lower-cost imported components help local producers to be more competitive worldwide.

The New York City metro area ranked within the top 1% of largest U.S. metro areas. Stated by Governor George E. Pataki, "New York has created a business-friendly environment by cutting taxes, controlling spending and eliminating red tape. This strategy puts New York companies in a very strong position to compete globally, as well as positions New York State as an attractive location for international investment. Our aggressive economic agenda reinforces the Empire State as the center of global business marketplace.”

Numerous local businesses are succeeding internationally, but more needs to be done. For almost three decades, the U.S. service trade surplus has consistently reduced the trade deficit. In 1999 alone, it decreased the trade deficit by 25%. And since 1980, U.S. exports of services have grown 130% faster than exports of goods.

New York’s private service-producing industries accounted for 75% of total gross state product in 1998, a larger percentage than any other state. And in the New York City metro area, 90% of non-farm workers are employed in the service sector — a higher percentage than any other state area. To improve the local economy, Hudson Valley-based companies need greater access to both foreign goods and service markets. To achieve this, we need Congress to forge new trade agreements that further open foreign markets.

Under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), Mexican and Canadian markets have become much more important to New York State producers and workers.

Compared to other states, New York ranks fourth from the bottom in terms of economic growth. Measured in gross state product (GSP), the average economic growth rose only 2.7% annually from 1992 through 1998, well below the nation’s average annual growth rate of 3.9%, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce.

In the manufacturing sector, New York’s growth registered 0.7%, significantly lower than the national rate of 4.9%. However, in New York’s finance, insurance and real estate industry, average annual gains during the period of 1992 through 1998 were 4.6%, higher than the national rate of 3.6%.

Although the state as a whole has performed poorly in terms of economic growth, the downstate region has performed well. In fact, in September 2000, the New York-New Jersey Port Authority said their region was “one of the world’s most vibrant economies,” and predicted that economic growth would continue.

Port Authority Executive Director Robert E. Boyle said, “The New York-New Jersey region closed out the 20th century with an economic boom. Not only did regional employment reach an historic high, but for the first time in nearly 20 years the region outpaced the gains of the national economy.” And the agency forecasts that over the next few years, economic growth in the region will match national growth for the first time in recent memory.

From December 1998 through December 1999, the number of New York State jobs increased by 1.8%, according to the Public Policy Institute. Broken down: New York City’s job count grew by 1.9%, while Long Island and northern New York City suburbs grew by 1.9% and 2.2%, respectively. However, Upstate jobs grew by only 1.6%, with the Buffalo-Niagara, Rochester, and Syracuse regions registering 0.2%, 0.7%, and 2.4% growth, respectively.

How can New York State, especially Upstate, generate additional economic growth that results in higher-paying jobs? A sound strategy is to seize opportunities presented by globalization through exports of goods and services. Since New York State is extremely competitive internationally, it makes sense to promote overseas sales to a greater extent. Since fully 96% of the world’s customers for goods and services live outside the United States, and many domestic industries now are saturated, New Yorkers need to find new customers in order to maintain existing jobs and create new ones.

A Look at the Buffalo-Niagara Metropolitan Area

From 1993 through 1998, the Buffalo-Niagara metropolitan area was well within the top quarter of fastest growing and largest merchandise export metro areas in the country. Not surprisingly, the prosperity of the Buffalo-Niagara area, like other regions in New York State, is closely tied to exports. And the highest employment sectors in the Buffalo-Niagara area in 1999 were also among the state’s top merchandise export industries.

As of June 2000, the electronic industry employed 11,300 workers in the Buffalo-Niagara metro area (defined by the New York State Department of Labor as Erie and Niagara counties). This represented 13% of area manufacturing workers — comprising the area’s largest manufacturing sector. This high-tech industry is also very competitive internationally, and as such, is New York’s fifth largest merchandise export industry. Industrial machinery, transportation equipment, and the food and kindred product sectors also are among the largest manufacturing employers in the Buffalo-Niagara metro area — and not surprisingly are New York State’s top merchandise export sectors. As one can see, the export growth of these Buffalo-Niagara metro area industries is vital to local employment.

Buffalo-Niagara Metro Area

(Industry Rank by Employment: Industry: New York State Merchandise Export Rank)

• 1st: Electronic: 5
• 2nd: Fabricated Metals: 10
• 3rd: Industrial Machinery: 1
• 4th: Transportation Equipment: 3
• 5th:  Food & Kindred Products: 7

Source: U.S. Dept. of Commerce

In July 2000, the Buffalo-Niagara metro area’s unemployment rate was 4.9%, higher than New York State’s overall rate of 4.4% and the nation’s rate of 4.2%, according to the New York State Department of Labor. And when it came to personal income, the region lagged well behind the state. From 1997 through 1998, personal income per capita rose by 4.1% in Erie County and 3.1% in Niagara County, but increased 5.2% state-wide, and 5.9% nationally, according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis.

In order to increase employment in large and higher technology manufacturing sectors (which will lead to higher revenues, benefiting local workers and companies, and the tax base) policies need to be implemented to encourage local electronic, industrial machinery, and transportation equipment manufacturers to further increase exports. Importantly, this will help the Buffalo-Niagara metro area catch up and enjoy the levels of growth achieved state-wide and nationally.

A Look at the Rochester Metropolitan Area

In 1998, the Rochester metropolitan area ranked in the top 12% of the largest merchandise export communities in the country, but 146th out of 253 in terms of merchandise export growth during the period of 1993 through 1998. (Note: export growth is likely to be slower for the largest exporting communities since significant additional growth requires exceptionally large increases in exports.)

Like the Buffalo-Niagara region, employment in the Rochester metro area (defined by the New York State Department of Labor as Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Orleans, and Wayne counties) is tied to the state’s largest export sectors. As of June 2000, the Rochester area’s scientific and measuring instruments sector was the area’s largest manufacturing employer, representing 40% of area workers. This was followed by the industrial machinery and electronic sectors. Interestingly, these sectors also produce the state’s top exports. It is clear that the export success of these sectors will have a direct impact on local employment.

Rochester Metro Area

(Industry Rank by Employment: Industry: New York State Merchandise Export Rank)

• 1st: Instruments: 4
• 2nd: Industrial Machinery: 1
• 3rd: Electronic: 5
• 4th: Rubber & Misc. Plastics: 11
• 5th: Primary & Fabricated Metals: 2

Source: U.S. Dept. of Commerce

The Rochester region’s unemployment rate was 3.5% in July 2000, lower than the state and national averages, according to the New York State Department of Labor. However, the counties comprising the region all registered lower personal income growth rates on a per capita basis than the state, 5.2%, and the nation, 5.9%, during the period 1997 – 1998. According to the Bureau of Economic Analysis, Genesee County registered a 2.4% increase in personal income growth, Livingston, 2.8%, Monroe, 3.9%, Ontario, 3%, Orleans, 1.5%, and Wayne, 2.6%. Although unemployment is a bright spot, personal income can be improved. Since export-related jobs pay higher wages than the national average, more focus needs to be placed on local companies achieving export success.

A Look at the Syracuse Metropolitan Area

In 1998, the Syracuse metropolitan area ranked in the top 31% of the largest merchandise export communities in the country. Its merchandise export growth rate, however, has been poor, ranking 219th out of 253 U.S. metro areas from 1993 through 1998.

A look at the Syracuse metro area (defined by the New York State Department of Labor to include Cayuga, Madison, Onondaga, and Oswego counties) reveals a similar correlation between the largest employment sectors and top manufacturing export industries as seen in the Buffalo-Niagara and Rochester regions. As of June 2000, the industrial machinery sector was the largest regional manufacturing employer, representing 16% of manufacturing employees. This was followed by the electronic equipment, transportation equipment, and food and kindred products sectors.

Syracuse Metro Area

(Industry Rank by Employment: Industry: New York State Merchandise Export Rank)

• 1st: Industrial Machinery: 1
• 2nd: Electronic: 5
• 3rd: Transportation Equipment: 3
• 4th: Food and Kindred Products: 7
• 5th: Primary metals: 2

Source: U.S. Dept. of Commerce

The Syracuse region’s unemployment rate was 3.5% in July 2000, lower than the state and national average, according to the New York State Department of Labor. However, the region’s counties registered per capita personal income growth lower than the state and nation during the period of 1997 – 1998. The county of Cayuga registered 3.3%, Madison, 4%, Onondaga, 4.7%, and Oswego, 2.8%, according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis. Like the Buffalo-Niagara and Rochester areas, to increase personal income for workers, more emphasis should be placed on the international success of local companies.

A Look at the New York City Region

The New York City metropolitan area ranked as the third largest metro merchandise exporter out of 253 U.S. metro areas in 1998. If unavailable local service export data were included, the New York City region likely would rank as the largest U.S. metro area exporter.

The employment composition in the New York City metro area is somewhat different than the rest of the state due to the high concentration of service industries and the international level of competitiveness it maintains. According to the New York State Labor Department, the New York metro area includes the Bronx, Kings, New York (Manhattan), Queens, and Richmond counties.

As of June 2000, the New York metro area’s third (chemicals), fourth (food and kindred products), and fifth (electronic) largest manufacturing employment sectors ranked among the state’s top seven export categories. However, the area’s largest manufacturing employment sector, printing and publishing, represented 30% of area manufacturing workers. This sector was followed by apparel products, which represented 25% of manufacturing workers.

New York City Metro Area

(Industry Rank by Employment: Industry : New York State Merchandise Export Rank)

• 1st:  Printing and Publishing: 9
• 2nd:  Apparel: 12
• 3rd:  Chemicals: 6
• 4th:  Food and Kindred Products: 7
• 5th:  Electronic: 5

Source: U.S. Dept. of Commerce

As a center for the nation’s leading book and magazine publishers, as well as the entertainment industry, New York City benefits significantly from royalties and license fees, categorized under service exports, not merchandise. For example, AOL Time Warner’s New York City headquarters employs 12,700 people, ranking sixth among the city’s top employers, according to Crain’s New York Business. The company owns the rights to tens of thousands of movies, television shows, magazines, and books. In 1999, this contributed to U.S. royalties and licensing fees, which accounted for U.S. exports of $36.5 billion and imports of $13.2 billion, according to U.S. International Services: Cross-Border Trade in 1999 and Sales Through Affiliates in 1998.

Expanded to include the New York primary metropolitan statistical area (PMSA), which comprises the metro area plus Putnam, Rockland, and Westchester counties, the export picture looks very similar to the New York City metro area. As of July 2000, the unemployment rate for the New York City metro area was 5.8%. Expanded to include the entire eight-county PMSA, the rate edged down to 5.4%, still higher than the state and national rate, according to the New York State Department of Labor.

In terms of per capita personal income growth, the Bronx registered an increase of 3.4%, Kings, 3.5%, New York, 7.5%, Queens, 5.9%, Richmond, 4.4%, Putnam, 5.8%, Rockland, 7.5%, and Westchester, 5.1%, during the 1997 -1998 period, according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis.

A Look at Long Island

Long Island, which comprises Nassau and Suffolk counties, ranked in the top 12% of the largest metro merchandise exporters, one place after Rochester, New York. In terms of merchandise export growth, Long Island came in at 113th.

In the counties of Nassau and Suffolk, as of June 2000, the electronic sector employed the most manufacturing workers, 15%, followed by printing and publishing, chemicals and allied products, and instruments and related products. Long Island has created an attractive environment for numerous small and mid-size high-tech firms that employ thousands of engineers and scientists. As a result, a shift has occurred from a mixed manufacturing economy to a primarily high-value added services economy.

Long Island

(Industry Rank by Employment: Industry: New York State Merchandise Export Rank)

1st:  Electronic: 5

2nd:  Printing and Publishing: 9

3rd:  Chemicals: 6

4th:  Instruments: 4

5th:  Fabricated Metals: 10

Source: U.S. Dept. of Commerce

As of July 2000, the unemployment rate of Long Island was 3.1%, lower than the state and national rate. And, in terms of per capita personal income growth, Nassau and Suffolk registered increases of 4.3% and 5.2%, respectively, during the 1997 -1998 period, according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis.

A Look at the New York City Service Industry

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey reported in September 2000 that “the service sector has been the ‘star performer’ in the regional economy. Growth in service jobs has averaged 3.9% in each of the past three years. The sector is responsible for more than 600,000 regional jobs since 1992.”

It is no surprise that the New York City metro area and the expanded New York City PMSA region employ a larger percentage of workers in the service sector than Upstate areas. As of June 2000, the New York City PMSA employed 90% of its nonagricultural workforce in the service sector. This was followed by Long Island, 86%, Syracuse, 81%, Buffalo-Niagara, 80%, and Rochester, 76%.

When it comes to finance, no region in the United States plays a larger role than New York City’s financial district. The sector provides a large number of jobs to New Yorkers — from Long Island to the five boroughs to the northern suburbs. Of the top 25 employers in New York City, 12 are in the financial services sector. This not only significantly contributes to the region’s economic success, it also helped drive the U.S. service trade surplus of which $10.3 billion (exports less imports) is derived from financial service trade, and $16.6 billion (exports less imports) is generated from business, professional, and technical service sectors.

U.S. financial service exports increased 24% from 1998 through 1999, and much of this was produced in the New York City region, indicating that Wall Street exports are up.

New York City Service Industry

(Firm Rank by Employment: Firm: No. of Employees)

• 1st: Chase Manhattan: 25,743
• 2nd: Citigroup: 24,610
• 8th: Morgan, Stanley, Dean Witter & Co.: 11,700
• 9th: Merill Lynch & Co.: 11,600
• 13th: Deutsche Bank AG: 9,600
• 14th: Bank of New York: 9,434
• 19th: Goldman Sachs & Co.: 7,872
• 20th: Marsh & McLennan Cos.: 7,000
• 21st: AXA Financial: 6,431
• 22nd: J.P. Morgan Co.: 6,279
• 23rd: Bear Stearns Cos.: 6,087
• 25th: Prudential Securities: 5,836

Source: Crain’s New York Business, 3/27/00

It is no surprise that the New York City metro area has a higher percentage of its local nonagricultural workforce employed in the finance, insurance and real estate sector than other metro areas covered in this report. In June 2000, the New York City metro area employed 13.3% of its nonagricultural workers in finance, insurance and real estate. This was followed by Long Island, 6.9%; Buffalo-Niagara, 5.5%; Syracuse, 5.2%; and Rochester, 3.8%.

The nation’s “Big Five” management consulting and accounting firms also maintain a major presence in New York City. PricewaterhouseCoopers, Deloitte & Touche, Ernst and Young, KPMG, and Arthur Anderson, for example, employ a combined total of 19,000 people in New York City, according to Crain’s New York Business. This broad export sector also includes industries such as advertising and legal services. As more services are exported, the New York City region will continue to prosper.

New York has seized many of the challenges presented by globalization. However, in order to generate greater economic growth, much more needs to be done.

New York is the third largest merchandise exporting state in the United States. In 1999, New York exported $43.3 billion of goods worldwide — a significant source of economic growth. Based on the U.S. Trade Representative’s calculation of 10,917 jobs supported by $1 billion in merchandise exports (multiplier does not include service exports), this supported 473,000 jobs in New York. And if state service export data were available from the U.S. Department of Commerce and added, total exports would be considerably higher.

Export-related production is the primary source of new jobs in New York State’s manufacturing sector, according to The Public Policy Institute of New York State, Inc., the research affiliate of the Business Council of New York State, Inc. This is very important since New York’s exports support one out of every five manufacturing jobs, according to Export-Related Employment and Wages Estimates for Eight States, 1992 to 1996, a report published by the Indiana University Kelley School of Business.

Plus, on a national basis, the average hourly earnings in manufacturing were $14.38 (August 2000, Bureau of Labor Statistics). To generate more well-paying manufacturing jobs, exports need to become a priority.

New York Exports of Services Are Growing

The services sector is probably more important to the economic health of New York than to any other state in the nation. In 1998, private service-producing industries contributed $533 billion to New York’s gross state product (GSP), according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis’ Survey of Current Business. This accounted for 75% of the total GSP, a larger percentage than any other state. How much of this was exported?

According to testimony by David Catalfamo of the Empire State Development Corporation to the New York State Assembly, based on 1997 data, “A conservative estimate would attribute about 10% of national service exports to New York State.” Applied to 1999, this would translate into an additional $27.2 billion in New York State exports. Based on the U.S. Trade Representative’s calculation of 14,679 jobs sustained by $1 billion in service exports, this supported approximately 400,000 jobs in New York State.

New York State’s “non-merchandise exports of key industry clusters within the service sectors are at least as significant as are merchandise exports,” Catalfamo said. In his testimony he stated that, in 1997, New York exports of financial services were estimated to exceed $8 billion annually, distribution services accounted for $7 billion, and communications and media services accounted for more than $2 billion.

Financial, business, professional, and technical services are each an important element of the United States’ trade service surplus and extremely important to the New York economy. In 1999, U.S. financial services registered $13.9 billion in exports, compared with $3.6 billion in imports, and $24.3 billion in business, professional, and technical service exports, compared with $7.7 in imports, according to the report, U.S. International Services: Cross-Border Trade in 1999 and Sales Through Affiliates in 1998.

Service exports are anticipated to become a much larger generator of state economic growth — especially in the New York City region, the financial capital of the world. Trade agreements that open foreign service and financial markets will generate greater New York State employment and produce more revenue, laying the foundation for a stronger tax base.

U.S. Service export opportunities are booming. In fact, since 1980, U.S. exports of services have grown 130% faster than exports of goods. As a result, every year for almost three decades, the U.S. service sector has enjoyed a trade surplus that has consistently reduced the U.S. deficit.

The U.S. Dominates Trade in World Services

In 1999, the United States captured a world marketshare of service exports and imports of 18.8% and 13.4%, respectively. The next largest share was held by the United Kingdom, with 7.5% and 9.9%, respectively — considerably less than the United States.

According to the U.S. Commerce Department, strength in business services, which includes software development, data processing, communications, and multimedia services has been identified with the “new economy,” and has contributed to rapid growth in many U.S. states. The U.S. service-producing sector has grown so large it now accounts for 80.5% of U.S. nonfarm employment, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.

There is no doubt that the benefits currently derived from services and the huge potential offered by the service sector in terms of economic growth, personal income, employment, and exports are tremendous. And, as the sector continues to grow, companies will increasingly develop new and innovative ways to sell services abroad.

Trade Services Broken Down

Trade in services is conducted through two principal channels: cross-border trade (which entails sending individuals, information, or money across national borders) and U.S.-owned affiliate transactions (entailing U.S.-owned companies located abroad selling services abroad).

Cross-Border Trade

According to Recent Trends in U.S. Services Trade published by the U.S. International Trade Commission, a large share of cross-border trade in 1998 was the exports of intangible intellectual property (reported as royalties and license fees). This was followed by business, professional, and technical services; maritime and air freight transportation services; and passenger fares.

U.S.-Owned Affiliate Transactions

Since the sale of some services requires the service provider to be close to the customer or to sidestep foreign country trade barriers, the best way to sell the service is through a U.S.-owned affiliate abroad. For example, U.S.-owned employment agencies operating in Europe interview hundreds of European candidates each day for local jobs. Thus, this service could not be delivered without daily face-to-face meetings.

In 1997, sales by U.S.-owned insurance affiliates in foreign markets accounted for the largest share of total U.S.-owned affiliate transactions. Following were computer and data processing; wholesale; financial services; transportation; communication; architectural, engineering, and surveying services; accounting, research, and management services; and motion pictures.

U.S. Service Exports to Accelerate

The U.S. service sector is extremely advanced and internationally competitive. And, with the recent introduction and availability of new and inexpensive technology — led by telecommunications, computers, and the internet — millions of people and companies worldwide are obtaining the ability to purchase services from the United States.

As a result, it is anticipated that the export of business, professional and technical services (accounting, advertising, engineering, franchising, consulting, public relations, testing and training) will increase rapidly.

The United States plays a major role in international trade. In fact, it’s the largest world exporter and importer. And for many nations, it’s both the largest supplier and buyer.

In 1998, Canada, Japan, and Mexico were the United States’ largest export destinations, as well as suppliers of merchandise. Combining both exports and imports, Canada was the United States’ largest merchandise trading partner, with $330 billion changing hands.

Second place went to Japan at $180 billion, followed by Mexico at $173 billion. United States trade with China, including Hong Kong, totaled $109 billion, and with Germany, $76 billion.

Export Product Leaders

In 1998, machinery and computers (Harmonized System two-digit category 84) ranked as the number-one United States export category, accounting for $136 billion. Second in line was electronic equipment (HS 85), valued at $108 billion.

In third place at $59 billion came motor vehicles (HS 87), with air and spacecraft taking the fourth slot (HS 88) at $52 billion. The number-five category (HS 90), which covers optical, photo, and medical equipment, generated $36 billion in U.S. exports worldwide.

Export Destinations

The United States shipped $157 billion in exports to Canada and $79 billion to Mexico. Japan was in third place at $58 billion, followed by the United Kingdom with $39 billion. China, including Hong Kong, was the destination for $27 billion in American exports.

Canada and Mexico took the top two spots in buying American machinery and computers, followed by the United Kingdom. America’s next-door neighbors also led in electronic equipment, with Japan taking third place. The same order prevailed for motor vehicles.

The United Kingdom took the largest share of America’s air and spacecraft exports, edging out Japan and Saudi Arabia. Japan was the largest importer of American optical, photo, and medical equipment, ahead of Canada and Germany.

Fastest-Paced Destinations

Not unexpectedly, the two largest destinations for United States exports in 1998 accounted for the highest percentage increases since 1991.

U.S. exports to Mexico increased by 136 percent and to Canada by 84 percent. In third place was China/Hong Kong at almost 89 percent, followed by the United Kingdom at 77 percent.

The United States as Customer

America’s largest international supplier in 1998 was Canada, accounting for $173 billion in United States imports.

Japan placed second with $122 billion. Occupying the third rank was Mexico at $95 billion. Following was China, including Hong Kong, at $82 billion, and Germany, accounting for $50 billion.

The leading import product was machinery and computers valued at $154 billion, with Japan leading the pack, followed by Canada and Singapore. The electronic equipment category, worth $127 billion, came in second, paced by Mexico ahead of Japan and China.

Vehicles placed third, accounting for $124 billion, with Canada leading, and Japan and Mexico in the next two spots. The category including petroleum fuels was the fourth-leading import sector, at $58 billion, headed by Canada, Venezuela, Saudi Arabia, and Mexico.

Rounding out the top five was optical, photo and medical equipment, accounting for $28 billion in imports, as Japan led the list, with Mexico, Germany, and China as runners-up.

Import Pacesetters

America’s fastest-growing supplier in 1998 was Mexico, registering an increase of more than 200 percent since 1991, followed by China/Hong Kong at nearly 190 percent, Germany at 91 percent, Canada at 90 percent, and the United Kingdom at 89 percent.