Exports support 500,000 jobs in IL; double that in 5 years
Illinois is a major player on the global stage. Our current exports support more than a half a million Illinois jobs. In 2010, our state's exports went up by nearly 20% to just under 50 billion dollars. We are 6th in the nation in exports, and first in
the Midwest. As Governor, I pledge double our exports over the next five years. To meet this goal, we will be reorganizing our foreign trade offices--working with representatives from international markets to develop new trading relationships and enhance
the ones already in place. For example: we recently hosted the president of China and his delegation of trade officials. These meetings resulted in $1.8 billion in agreements that will sell 25% of Illinois' soybean crop to China.
In 2010, exports from Illinois to China increased by nearly 30%. And more than 30 Chinese companies have already invested in Illinois, employing thousands of Illinois workers.