How Manufacturing Fuels Maryland Exports
Merchandise export shipments in 2007 totaled $8.9 billion, up 81 percent from the 2003 total of $4.9 billion.  Export shipments continue to grow each year, and Maryland’s potential for further growth is very positive.

Among the 50 U.S. states, this percentage increase ranked Maryland 16th.  

Overall, manufacturing represents roughly 90 percent of total Maryland exports. 

According to the International Trade Administration of the U.S. Department of Commerce, a total of 3,575 companies exported goods from Maryland locations in 2005.  Of these, 3,066 (86 percent) were small and medium-sized enterprises employing fewer than 500 people. 

In 2007, Maryland’s manufacturers exported to 205 foreign destinations.  

In 2005, Maryland’s top export sectors were transportation equipment (e.g., aerospace), computers/electronics, chemicals and machinery.