Posted on 03/29/2014 10:46:21 AM PDT by Spktyr
Surpassing California for the first time, Texas is leading the nation in technology-related exports, according to a new report.
State companies that make computers, semiconductors and communications equipment, among other products, exported more than $45 billion in products in 2012, according to the TechAmerica Foundation, a tech industry lobbying firm.
That was driven by Texas’ 7 percent growth — about $3 billion — in tech exports from 2011. Tech exports supported nearly 1.5 million jobs nationwide and about 331,000 jobs in Texas, according to the report. California, meanwhile, declined 2.8 percent, to $44.8 billion in technology exports.
Technology exports accounted for 17 percent of all exports from Texas in 2012, above the national average of 13 percent. Texas also ranked first or second in every technology export sector examined. Texas was first in semiconductor exports at $14 billion, first in communication equipment exports at $8.9 billion and second in computer equipment exports at $12.8 billion.
The state’s leading tech export destinations were Mexico ($22 billion), Canada ($4 billion) and South Korea ($3 billion).
Matthew Kazmierczak, TechAmerica Foundation’s vice president for research, said market dynamics and cost of living make Texas a more competitive location for manufacturing, which helped it overtake California.
“Texas also has some large-scale computer equipment manufacturing centers that have recently increased production and have resulted in significant increases in computer equipment exports, whereas in California the computer equipment manufacturing has decreased, contributing to the decrease in tech exports from California,” he said.
However, states also are competing with international markets, and “increasingly companies are finding that they can bring manufacturing production back to the United States and remain competitive,” Kazmierczak said. “As such, they seem to be expanding at their Texas facilities.”
Tech exports account for a significant portion of the Austin economy.
In 2012, the Austin metro area was the 35th largest export market in the United States, with merchandise shipments totaling $9 billion, up 4 percent from 2011, according to the International Trade Administration, an agency of the U.S. Department of Commerce that promotes U.S. exports.
Austin ranks among the top major metro area exporters to South Korea ($3.4 billion), Taiwan ($1 billion), Mexico ($612 million), Malaysia ($497 million) and China ($397 million), according to the International Trade Administration. The city also ranks among major metro exporters of computer and electronic products ($5.9 billion); machinery, except electrical, ($2.2 billion); and electrical equipment, appliances and components ($188 million).
Brian Kelsey, principal of Civic Analytics, an Austin-based economic development firm, said he wasn’t surprised Texas has overtaken California in tech exports.
“Austin is widely recognized globally as a center of innovation and technology-based economic development,” Kelsey said. “But this report makes clear, perhaps for the first time for some people outside Texas, that technology is a key driver of growth in Dallas, Houston, San Antonio and other parts of the state. Each region has its own niche within the technology sector, and that diversity provides a strong foundation for the state economy.”
Major tech employers like Round Rock-based Dell Inc. are a major reason for the Austin area’s – and by extension Texas’ – flush export numbers.
“As Dell approaches its 30th anniversary this spring, our team members are proud to have been a part of the Texas tech growth story and are focused on continuing to make technology more affordable and accessible for people and organizations worldwide,” company spokesman David Frink said.
The news of Texas’ jump ahead of California was warmly received by Austin-area lawmakers.
“It’s no surprise that Texas is now leading the nation in technology exports,” said U.S. Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Austin. “The success of our technology innovators drives job growth and the success of our economy.”
U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett, D-Austin, said the state’s technology sector “means more high-paying jobs that strengthen our community, while delivering more high-quality goods and services worldwide. Maintaining a highly educated workforce and a quality of life that attracts the best and brightest from around the world is essential to growing our economy.”
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Top States by Tech Exports
Texas $45.1 billion
California $44.8 billion
Florida $14.5 billion
Massachusetts $7.3 billion
New York $6.6 billion
Source: TechAmerica Foundation
Pinged as requested.
As Texas does better and better, the parasites will come in droves and suck Texas dry.
CA can thank Liberals and Moonbeam, IMO.
Imagine that.
I wonder why that is.
Now if Texas can get their hyper police forces under control and stop shooting dogs and citizens in their own homes and yards, it would become a lot more attractive to me.
All incoming parasites need to be shown the door and reminded why they left their state and how they contributed to it.
Got news for you, EVERY state has out of control police now.
In Texas, at least, it is actually legal to defend yourself or even shoot a police officer who is overstepping his authority and using violence when it is not called for. Texas Penal Code 9.31(c).
This is a problem observed in the past. On the other hand, the typical solution is offered by one of Texas’ summers. Usually the majority of freshly arrived parasites leave after experiencing one of those.
Pie-ya! Take that, Moonbeam & Co.
(Thanks for da ping!)
As Texas does better and better, the parasites will come in droves and suck Texas dry.
********
We tend to straighten ‘em out, real quickly like.
They came during the ‘70’s-80’s boom and after Katrina and learned how best to get along in Texas, or left ;)
God Bless Texas! Yes he has!
Mostly Blue States. I can’t believe how successful blue states are. I always wonder why red states lag behind to the point that blue states support a lot of the red states. We need to look at the GOOD that the blue states do and have the red states do the same. Obviously keep their politics but blue states do have some successes that red states should emulate.
IBTCTH
in before the Californian Texas Haters
Remember, the only economic growth Texas is experiencing is illegal lawn maintenance and sheetrock-hanging. /s
The financial and entertainment sectors are still based in blue states. They will hold on to these bitterly. And the leaders of those sectors are all big government types.
Remember, the only economic growth Texas is experiencing is illegal lawn maintenance and sheetrock-hanging. /s
****
Bwahahaha.
Who invited you?
The financial and entertainment sectors are still based in blue states. They will hold on to these bitterly. And the leaders of those sectors are all big government types.
That is good. Red States need the blue states to survive which is weird to say but factual. I think it is funny that the blue states hate the red states so much but are forced to financially keep their survival.
Do you live in Texas?
If you can find some good that blue states do, let us know.
Why are people and businesses in Blue states moving to Red states?
I honestly can't think of anything about a NE state that I would want TX to emulate!
(BTW, nap, "hi.")
Maryland is a financial goldmine. I live here and although taxes are a bit high, unemployment is virtually zero.
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