It’s incredible to consider that Georgia-made products and services are available in nearly every country in the world. Georgia products reached 215 unique countries and territories in 2021, thanks to a large number of diverse and innovative companies across the state. In addition to agribusiness and AgTech, the Peach State is also home to scores of businesses in key industries like manufacturing, logistics, and aerospace, all of which contribute to Georgia’s export economy in a big way.

Georgia’s superior logistics network, statewide resources, and long-term cultivation of international relationships are key reasons why Georgia businesses can tap into resources to help ramp up their exports, and sustain and create new jobs within the state.

Georgia Companies Respond to Increased Export Opportunities

One company that has found success in international trade is Atlanta-based Trans Globe, a complete agribusiness provider that exports feed, grains, and forage, domestically and globally. Over the past three years, the company’s primary source of revenue has been international sales. In 2021, they expanded sales in 26 foreign countries – entering eight new markets for the very first time. The company describes itself as a unique ambassador for U.S. farmers and agribusiness processors and is just one example of the integral part agribusinesses play in Georgia exports. The state’s agriculture and forestry exports grew to $4.88 billion in 2021, a 13% increase from the previous year.

While Trans Globe has over 25 years of experience in the international scene, other businesses have found themselves pivoting to international trade after achieving growth on the domestic scene. Emanuel County’s Crider Foods, a processor and marketer of fully cooked and shelf-stable food products, has been in operation in Georgia since 1977. Crider Foods expanded its market globally in 2012, and today does business in 20 countries! The company attributes its success in part to resources made available by the state of Georgia, including the services of the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD)’s International Trade team, which provides free services to companies looking to expand sales to global markets.

By the Numbers: Record-Breaking Trade

As individual companies grow and expand their sales internationally, Georgia is setting new records for total trade, reaching more than $166 billion across 223 countries and territories in 2021. This is a 20% growth over the previous year, and 16% higher than the record set in 2019.

Exports increased 9% to $42.36 billion, a new record. This growth is representative of the dedication of Georgia businesses to grow and diversify their international sales, earning the state the rank of 12th largest exporting state the nation. Georgia’s International Trade office announced these record-breaking numbers earlier this year. The full 2021 International Trade Report is available online.