INTERNATIONAL TRADE

Exporting is essential to the health of the U.S. economy. Exports support over 11 million jobs in the United States, which pay 15% more than the U.S. average, and international sales have contributed to nearly 30% of domestic economic growth in recent years. However, this success is not limited to large corporations; the number of American businesses sending their goods and services overseas has tripled since 1990, with a full two-thirds of that boom coming from companies with fewer than 20 employees. It's become a necessity for any business to export and those that don't are 9% more likely to fail in any given year than comparable firms that do.

Several entities in Baton Rouge and New Orleans offer assistance to companies looking to improve their international operations.

LED's International Services division is responsible for facilitating the export of Louisiana goods and services. The International Services division provides services to Louisiana and its companies by assisting businesses with all aspects of international trade and supporting ports and airports in their efforts to increase the volume handled by their facilities.

Louisiana Economic Development
International Services
Larry Collins
225.342.4323
lcollins@la.gov

World Trade Center New Orleans is a non-profit organization whose mission is to add wealth and jobs in Louisiana through international trade, port development, and allied activities.

World Trade Center New Orleans
One Canal Place
365 Canal Street, Suite #1120
New Orleans, LA 70130
504.529.1601
info@wtcno.org
www.wtcno.org

WTC First Stop Shop, 504.529.1601, ext. 262, 1ststop@wtcno.org, or visit http://wtcno.org/1ststop/

For business advice on exporting, see the SBA Guide to Exporting.

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