Report # 1 in a Series of Transportation and Trade Studies of the Appalachian Region 

Analysis of Global Competitiveness of 

Selected Industries and Clusters in the 

Appalachian Region 

For the Appalachian Regional Commission 

Prepared by: 

Jack Faucett Associates 

4550 Montgomery Avenue 

Suite 300 North 

Bethesda, MD 20814 

301-961-8800

 

And 

2 Oliver Street, 9th Floor 

Boston, MA 02109 

617-338-6775

November 5, 2004 
Table of Contents 

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY .......................................................................................................... 1

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION................................................................................................ 8

CHAPTER 2: INDUSTRIAL ANALYSIS ................................................................................. 9

2A Manufacturing Industry Analysis........................................................................... 9

2.1 Geographic Concentration.........................................................................................................10

2.1.1 Electronic Components.....................................................................................................10

2.1.2 Auto Parts .........................................................................................................................12

2.1.3 Machinery .........................................................................................................................13

2.1.4 Household Furniture .........................................................................................................15

2.2 Labor Costs................................................................................................................................17

2.3 Labor Productivity.....................................................................................................................18

2.4 Capital Investment.....................................................................................................................20

2.5 Capacity Utilization...................................................................................................................21

2.6 Industry Concentration ..............................................................................................................23

2.7 Regional Transactions...............................................................................................................27

2.8 Economic Impact Multipliers....................................................................................................27

2.9 Environmental Regulatory Costs...............................................................................................29

2B The Services Industry............................................................................................. 33

2.10 The United States Educational Exports Sector..........................................................................34

2.11 U.S. Losing Educational Export Market Share to Other Countries...........................................36

2.12 Appalachian International Student Facts...................................................................................37

2.13 Best Practices in International Programs at Higher Education Institutions...............................38

2.13.1 Marshall University, WV..................................................................................................40

2.13.2 Clemson University, SC ...................................................................................................42

2.13.3 Carnegie Mellon, PA ........................................................................................................44

2.13.4 Lee University, TN ...........................................................................................................45

2.13.5 University of Scranton, PA...............................................................................................46

2.13.6 Jefferson State Community College, AL..........................................................................48

2.13.7 Troy State University, AL ................................................................................................50

2.13.8 State University of New York (SUNY)............................................................................52

SUNY Fredonia ................................................................................................................ 53

SUNY Buffalo .................................................................................................................. 57

2.14 Recommendations for Developing an International Program ...................................................61

2.15 Recruitment strategies ...............................................................................................................63
CHAPTER 3: EXPORT MARKET ANALYSIS..................................................................... 65

3.1 Automobile Parts.......................................................................................................................66

3.1.1 NAFTA: Canada ...............................................................................................................68

3.1.2 NAFTA: Mexico...............................................................................................................68

3.1.3 Germany............................................................................................................................69

3.1.4 Sweden..............................................................................................................................70

3.1.5 Korea.................................................................................................................................71

3.2 Household Furniture (Wood and upholstered) ..........................................................................72

3.2.1 Asia/Pacific: Korea ...........................................................................................................75

3.2.2 NAFTA: Canada ...............................................................................................................75

3.2.3 NAFTA: Mexico...............................................................................................................75

3.2.4 Middle East: Saudi Arabia................................................................................................76

3.2.5 Middle East: United Arab Emirates (UAE)......................................................................76

3.3 Machinery (Packaging and Food Processing) ...........................................................................77

3.3.1 Asia/Pacific: China ...........................................................................................................80

3.3.2 Asia/Pacific: Thailand.......................................................................................................80

3.3.3 NAFTA: Canada ...............................................................................................................81

3.3.4 NAFTA: Mexico...............................................................................................................82

3.3.5 Latin America: Brazil .......................................................................................................82

3.3.6 Latin America: Argentina .................................................................................................83

3.3.7 Europe: Poland..................................................................................................................84

3.4 Microelectronics........................................................................................................................85

3.4.1 NAFTA: Canada ...............................................................................................................87

3.4.2 NAFTA: Mexico...............................................................................................................88

3.4.3 Asia/Pacific: China ...........................................................................................................89

3.4.4 Asia/Pacific: Taiwan.........................................................................................................90

3.4.5 Eastern Europe & Russia ..................................................................................................91

CHAPTER 4: TRANSPORTATION AND LOGISTICS ANALYSIS.................................. 93

4.1 Export Shipments from the Appalachian Region ......................................................................93

4.2 Routing and Modes from Appalachia to Ports of Lading..........................................................94

4.2.1 Exports by State ................................................................................................................95

4.2.2 Major Counties .................................................................................................................97

4.2.3 Identifying Routes.............................................................................................................97

4.2.4 Major Ports .....................................................................................................................100

4.2.5 Port Pairings....................................................................................................................101

4.3 Transportation by Highway and Other Modes ........................................................................103

4.3.1 Highway-Rail Intermodal ...............................................................................................109

4.3.2 Air...................................................................................................................................110

CHAPTER 5: FINDINGS, SUMMARY AND POLICY IMPLICATIONS ....................... 111

5.1 Findings: The Relationship between Firm Location and Export Patterns...............................111

5.1.1 Methodology...................................................................................................................111

5.1.2 Results.............................................................................................................................111

5.2 Summary and Policy Implications...........................................................................................113
APPENDIX A: REGIONAL INDUSTRIAL ANALYSIS .................................................... 116

A-1: Review of Regional Production Trends.............................................................. 116

Alabama ...........................................................................................................................................116

Georgia ...........................................................................................................................................117

Kentucky ...........................................................................................................................................117

Maryland ...........................................................................................................................................118

Mississippi ...........................................................................................................................................119

New York ...........................................................................................................................................119

North Carolina ......................................................................................................................................120

Ohio ...........................................................................................................................................121

Pennsylvania .........................................................................................................................................121

South Carolina ......................................................................................................................................122

Tennessee ...........................................................................................................................................123

Virginia ...........................................................................................................................................123

West Virginia ........................................................................................................................................124

Appalachian States................................................................................................................................125

A-2: Industry Analysis.................................................................................................. 126

Industrial Machinery.............................................................................................................................126

Lumber and Wood Products .................................................................................................................128

Chemicals and Plastics..........................................................................................................................130

Automobiles, Auto-parts and Related Products....................................................................................133

Furniture, Fixtures and Related Products..............................................................................................135

Textiles and Related Products...............................................................................................................138

Apparel and Related Products...............................................................................................................141

Environmental Technologies ................................................................................................................143

Coal Mining ..........................................................................................................................................144

Electronic Components.........................................................................................................................147

Medical Devices and Surgical Instruments...........................................................................................147

APPENDIX B: TRADE FLOW MAPS .................................................................................. 149
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 

This study assesses the opportunities and challenges posed by trade liberalization to regional producers 

and exporters of goods and services within the Appalachian Region. Utilizing a number of manufacturing 

industry clusters for case study research, the study analyzes the export potential of regional manufacturing 

industries and evaluates the transportation infrastructure needs for expanded trade operations and 

shipments. 

The six industry clusters were selected based on findings from prior Appalachian Regional Commission 

(ARC) studies, analysis of production and trade data, and discussions with representatives of the Export 

Trade Advisory Council (ETAC). These industry clusters include: auto parts, electronic components, 

wooden household furniture, upholstered household furniture, food processing machinery and packaging 

machinery. The study analyzed the overall competitiveness of these clusters based on an analysis of each 

sectors relative labor costs, labor productivity, capital investment trends, capacity utilization, industrial 

concentration, regional transactions, and environmental costs as they related to trends in foreign direct 

investment. In addition, the export potential of each sector was assessed based on regional analyses of 

world markets. A separate analysis was conducted of the export dynamics in service sector by focusing on 

the educational services sector in Appalachia. 

Competitiveness Analyses 

The competitiveness analyses were conducted based largely on statewide data due to the lack of 

regionally specific data. As a result, readers should be cautious about the inferences they draw from these 

results. In terms of relative labor costs, Appalachian states were generally competitive across the six 

industry case studies, although in the case of the food processing industry, labor costs were higher in three 

of the Appalachian states. Labor productivity trends were particularly positive in food processing, 

packaging machinery, auto parts and, to a lesser extent, electronic components. By contrast, labor 

productivity was relatively weak in upholstered and wooden furniture production. 

Capital investment trends were generally positive in the electronic components and auto parts sectors, 

although the lack of consistent data across all states limits the conclusions that can be drawn about the 

competitive position of these sectors. The upholstered and wooden household furniture industries in a 

number of Appalachian states had lower gross expenditures on capital investment than the national 

industry. An industry representative in Pennsylvania cited the increase in the number of domestic firms 

relocating to foreign countries with lower labor costs as the prime reason for the observed decline in the 

level of capital investment in the furniture industry within the area. Capacity utilization data is limited to 

industrial trends for the nation as a whole but the data do show that the two capital goods sectors (food 

processing and packaging machinery) were the most affected by the business cycle of 2000-2001. As for 

industrial concentration, the auto parts industry was the most concentrated as measured by the percentage 

share of shipments by the top four firms. 

In terms of the percentage of industry inputs and outputs that are purchased and sold within Appalachia, 

the upholstered household and wood furniture industries are the most integrated industry clusters within 

the Appalachian region. Over 50 percent of their inputs are purchased from Appalachian establishments, 

while more than 80 percent of their outputs are sold within Appalachia. According to a furniture industry

representative, this trend can be attributed to the industry’s proximity to raw materials and the fact that 

many of the household furniture establishments in Appalachia are quite specialized and tend to serve 

specific niche markets within the region. The auto parts and electronic components sectors are the least 

integrated of the industry clusters, although the supplier links are still relatively strong with nearly 44 

percent and 49 percent of intermediate goods purchased regionally. Analysis of the Appalachian states 

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environmental regulatory context presents a diverse mix, ranging from positive for larger industrial states, 

to negative for smaller, less wealthy states. 

Services & Exports 

The Appalachian region higher education network consists of over 250 universities, colleges, and 

community colleges. The net contribution by international students studying in the states comprising the 

Appalachian region amounted to $3.6 billion in the 2001 to 2002 academic year all of which translated to 

a substantial gain by Appalachian higher education institutions and businesses. On average, an 

international student studying in Appalachia contributed $20,500 to the region, mainly from funds 

generated in their country of origin. The study highlights best practices in recruiting foreign students by

detailing the marketing efforts of eight different types of higher educational institutions within 

Appalachia to attract students from other countries. Overall, the case study finds significant potential in 

improving the recruitment of foreign students in the Appalachian Region, particularly by marketing the 

advantages of the community assets of the smaller towns and cities that host many of these colleges and 

universities. National policy issues, however, have affected the number of visas being issued nationally

for incoming foreign students which has dampened the growth in foreign students enrolling in U.S. 

colleges and universities and these trends are affecting Appalachian institutions. 

Manufacturing & Exports 

For Appalachian exporters of automotive parts, NAFTA economies (Canada and Mexico) present the 

largest export market. Established Western European markets (Germany and Sweden), Asia/Pacific 

(Korea), and Latin American markets (Argentina) also offer good prospects for future growth. 

For Appalachian wooden household and upholstered furniture manufacturers, NAFTA markets (Canada 

& Mexico), Germany, Korea, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates represent leading export 

markets. 

Canada, Mexico, China, Poland, Argentina, Brazil and Thailand are leading markets for Appalachian 

exports of food processing and packaging machinery.

China and Eastern European markets open many dynamic growth opportunities for exporting 

microelectronic components for Appalachian manufacturers. Asian economies such as Taiwan also offer 

opportunities for growth in future demand for U.S.-made microelectronics. 

In the manufacturing industry sector, exports represent over $5 billion annually to Appalachian 

manufacturers in auto parts, electronic components, food processing machinery, packaging machinery and 

wood furniture industries. The auto parts industry accounts for more than 65 percent of the value of total 

exports from Appalachia among the six target industries, followed by electronic components, which 

account for 30 percent. 

NAFTA economies (Canada and Mexico) present the largest export market for Appalachian exporters of 

automotive parts. Established Western European markets (Germany and Sweden), Asia/Pacific (Korea), 

and the Latin America (Argentina) markets also offer good prospects for future growth. Europe, Canada, 

and Asia are leading destinations for U.S. exports of food processing machinery and packaging 

machinery. China and Eastern European markets open many dynamic growth opportunities for exporting 

microelectronic components for Appalachian manufacturers. Asian economies such as Taiwan also offer 

opportunities for growth in future demand for U.S.-made microelectronics. 

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Detroit MI, New York, NY (the port and JFK Airport) and Miami (the port and Miami International 

Airport) are the most import ports of export from Appalachia. For Detroit, this is expected in auto parts, 

but is also among the top four ports for electronic components, packaging machinery, upholstered 

furniture, and wood furniture. For food processing machinery, Detroit and New York City represent the 

top two ports and Miami is eighth. The port of Buffalo-Niagara Falls, NY, also is the point of export of 

significant value of goods in all six industries. 

New York City and Buffalo-Niagara Falls are the most important ports in states that include Appalachian 

counties for exporting commodities in the six target industries originating in the Region. Other important 

ports in ARC states for these six commodities, though the ports are not located in the Appalachian 

Region, are Charleston SC (electronic components, food processing machinery, packaging machinery,

wood furniture), Norfolk VA (auto parts, food processing machinery, wood furniture), Baltimore, MD 

(auto parts, food processing machinery), Atlanta GA (electronic components) and Champlain-Rousse 

Point, NY food processing machinery). In addition to the ARC states, exports from Appalachian counties 

are routed though Texas (Laredo and Dallas-Fort Worth) and Jacksonville, Florida, and to a lesser extent, 

California (discovered from interviews). 

Regional Trade Flow: 

Export of Auto Parts Originating from Alabama (1998) 

Michigan New York

Florida

For these six industries, transportation of goods from Appalachia to ports of landing is primarily by truck 

to seaports and airports for international export. Trucking volume in tonnage ranges from 86 percent of all 

volume in auto parts to 95 percent in wood and upholstered furniture. Rail transportation is relevant only

in the auto parts industry and air transportation is significant when assessing the value of electronic 

components shipped. 

Rail is important in the auto parts industry, accounting for 7 percent of tonnage shipped within the United 

States shipped from states with Appalachian counties (but just 2% of the value shipped from ARC states). 

If the Appalachian average of 2.4 percent based on value is applicable to products shipped for export as 

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well as general commodity flows, then rail is responsible for roughly $87 million of the $3.6 billion of 

auto parts exported by Appalachian companies. 

Air transportation is important in the electronic components industry. Nationally over 19 percent of the 

value in this sector is shipped within the U.S by air. About 4 percent of shipments from ARC states are 

shipped by air, but more than 28 percent of the value of electronic components report using parcel 

delivery services (which includes truck and air). If the Appalachian average of 4.1 percent based on value 

is applicable to products shipped for export as well as general commodity flows, then air transportation 

accounts for roughly $69 million of the $1.76 billion of electronic components sent to ports by 

Appalachian companies. In addition, $473 million corresponds to the 28.3 percent of the regional value of 

electronic components shipped by parcel services, and a portion of these millions is attributable to air 

cargo. 

Relationships Between Firm Location and Export Patterns 

Based on interviews with manufacturing, trucking, and logistics firms, we developed four working 

hypotheses regarding the relationship between access to transportation and patterns of exports within the 

ARC. These hypotheses reflect one of the key findings of the interviews conducted, namely, that firms are 

more likely to export to those markets more easily reached given the location of the firm. To the extent 

these hypotheses are true, firms are more likely to report that transportation infrastructure is adequate. 

Because they focus on foreign markets with easy access, they have little experience and hence we 

received few reports of difficulties in accessing ports for international sales. 

Hypothesis 1: Because of the cost and time required to traverse the Appalachian Range, i.e., moving 

goods east to west in the Appalachian region, export patterns are shaped by whether states lie on the east 

or west side of the range. That is, we expect different trade patterns for states in the eastern and western 

portions of the ARC. 

Hypothesis 2: States in the eastern portion of the ARC will export more to Europe because of easier 

access to east coast ports.

Hypothesis 3: States in the western portion of the ARC will export more within North America because 

of better direct access to key industrial areas in Canada and Mexico. 

Hypothesis 4: There will be little difference in eastern and western patterns of exports to Asia. Although 

the eastern ARC has more direct access to seaports, western ARC firms can more easily access West 

Coast ports, which have shorter travel times to Asia. 

Hypothesis 5: Differences in export patterns from Appalachia are minimized with a greater reliance on 

air transportation. This hypothesis could not be validated by available data. 

Methodology

To test these hypotheses, recent export data were compiled for selected states lying east and west of the 

Appalachian Range. The states in the eastern portion (ARC-EAST) include New Jersey, Delaware, 

Maryland, North Carolina and South Carolina and Virginia. The states in the western portion (ARCWEST) include New York, Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, and West Virginia. Data were gathered on 2002 

exports of the following products: Computer and Electronic Products (NAICS 334); Electrical 

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Equipment, Appliances, and Components (NAICS 335); Transportation Equipment (NAICS 336); and 

Furniture and Fixtures (NAICS 337); and for comparison purposes, all manufactured products (NAICS 

311-339). 

Results 

Data confirms each of the first four hypotheses. As shown in Table 1, export patterns differ significantly

between ARC-EAST and ARC-WEST for each of the four sectors, as well as for all manufacturing. This 

confirms Hypothesis 1. 

There is also strong evidence for Hypothesis 2. As shown in Table 1, exports to Europe account for a 

greater proportion of ARC-EAST than ARC-WEST exports for each of the four individual sectors. 

Across the four sectors, exports to Europe accounted for 31 percent of ARC-EAST but only 22 percent of 

ARC-WEST exports. This differential is slightly greater than for all manufacturing as a whole, where the 

respective ratios were 31 percent and 25 percent. 

Table 1:

Export Patterns from Selected RC region States 

(2002)

NAICS 334 – Computer & electronic 

 products

ARC-EAST ARC-WEST

EUROPE 37% 29% 

ASIA 31% 28% 

NAFTA 20% 33% 

NAICS 335 – Elect. Equip., & 

 components

ARC-EAST ARC-WEST

EUROPE 28% 24% 

ASIA 18% 19% 

NAFTA 35% 45% 

NAICS 336 – Transportation Equip. ARC-EAST ARC-WEST

EUROPE 43% 23% 

ASIA 9% 12% 

NAFTA 32% 59% 

NAICS 337 – Furniture & fixtures ARC-EAST ARC-WEST

EUROPE 18% 14% 

ASIA 17% 7%

NAFTA 36% 64% 

Average of Sectors 334-337 ARC-EAST ARC-WEST

EUROPE 31% 22% 

ASIA 19% 16% 

NAFTA 31% 50% 

ALL MANUFACTURING ARC-EAST ARC-WEST

EUROPE 31% 25% 

ASIA 22% 19% 

NAFTA 30% 44% 

Source: MISER. Calculations by EDR Group 

The evidence for Hypothesis 3 is very strong. ARC-WEST exports to NAFTA accounted for a much 

higher proportion of exports in each of the four sectors than in ARC-EAST. On average across the four 

sectors, exports to NAFTA accounted for 50 percent of all ARC-WEST exports compared to just 31 

percent for ARC-EAST. The differences in the four study sectors were greater than in manufacturing as a 

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whole. However, the differential was greater even in all manufacturing, where NAFTA accounted for 44

percent of all ARC-WEST but only 30 percent of all ARC-EAST exports. 

Finally, the data also confirm Hypothesis 4, namely that there would be no large difference in exports to 

Asia from the two regions. As the data show, exports to Asia accounted for a higher proportion of ARCEAST than ARC-WEST exports in two sectors (NAICS 334 AND 337), but a lower proportion in the two 

other sectors (NAICS 335 and 336). Across manufacturing, there was little difference in proportion of 

total exports shipped to Asia: these exports accounted for 22 percent of all ARC-EAST and 19 percent of 

all ARC-WEST exports. 

Relatively little activity is seen in east-west traffic across the Appalachian region for exports from the six 

target industries. Kennedy Airport in New York and Miami International Airport is much more heavily

used than airports in Pittsburgh and Atlanta. Similarly, the ports of Detroit, New York, Buffalo and 

Miami are used more intensely for exports of commodities from these six industries than the ports of 

Charleston, Norfolk and Baltimore. 

Motor Food Upholstered Wooden

Vehicle Processing Packaging Electronic Household Household

Destination Parts Machinery Machinery Components Furniture Furniture

Africa 0.6% 2.3% 1.4% 0.8% 0.9% 1.3%

Asia 11.1% 20.8% 12.5% 30.2% 18.0% 28.4%

Australia 1.2% 3.2% 3.9% 1.2% 0.9% 0.5%

Canada 65.6% 20.6% 26.1% 25.6% 48.9% 42.6%

Central America 0.2% 3.3% 3.1% 1.4% 3.4% 7.0%

Europe 10.3% 32.1% 38.1% 25.7% 22.3% 15.3%

Mexico 9.5% 8.5% 9.3% 9.9% 3.4% 3.0%

South America 1.5% 9.3% 5.6% 5.1% 2.2% 1.8%

Appalachian Exportsby Industryand Destination

(Percent ofAppalachian IndustryExports)

Companies are located in places from where they can cost-effectively move products to ports that, in turn, 

can transport these commodities to desired international destinations. Access to various ports is hindered 

by gaps in the ADHS because the gaps increase time to key interstate routes. Companies prefer to ship 

though built-up ports which are easily accessible through the federal interstate system, and gaps in the 

ADHS system hinders access to ports (or effectively reduces cost-effective choices 

when considering which ports to use). As location is in part chosen by existing access considerations, 

gaps along ADHS corridors influence business location. Easy and cost effective connections to interstate 

highways, or the lack of the same, influence where firms locate and the economic development of 

Appalachian counties. 

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Summary & Policy Implications 

Analysis and interviews with Appalachian companies have revealed two self-evident truths: first, the 

Interstate Highway System works, as it connects the ARC region with major northeast and Florida ship 

ports and airports; and second, companies prefer to ship though built-up ports which are easily accessible 

through the existing highway system at their current location. Very little activity is seen in east-west 

traffic across the Appalachian region for exports from these six industries. Kennedy Airport in New York 

and Miami International Airport in Florida are much more heavily used than airports in Pittsburgh and 

Atlanta. Similarly, the ports of Detroit, New York, Buffalo and Miami are used more intensely for exports 

of commodities from these six industries than the ports of Charleston, Norfolk and Baltimore. 

Roadways are by far the most important transportation facilities in the ARC region for the six target 

commodities. The importance of the Appalachian Development Highway System (ADHS) is fostering 

connections to Interstate Highways that in turn are connected to major ports of lading for the target 

industries. Secondarily, ADHS provides access to smaller airports in areas that produce a disproportionate 

amount of Appalachia’s electronic components. 

Sixteen ADHS corridors important to international trade in the target industries are in various states of 

partial completion. Thirteen of these corridors provide connections to interstate highways, which, in turn, 

connect Appalachia to key ports for export of the target commodities. If trade was the sole criterion for 

setting priorities among these corridors (and of course it is not) then ARC would need to decide if its 

priority is to reinforce existing use of ports and strengthen ADHS roadway connections to Florida, 

Michigan and New York, or encourage use of ports in ARC states, such as Charleston, Baltimore and the 

Pittsburgh Airport. 

In general, the national transportation system serves the region by providing access to external markets 

and supplies. However, there is some evidence that improving access to the national network through 

completion of key links in the ADHS would provide additional opportunities in the six industries studied 

in this research for expanded output and production locations. Such expansion of opportunities could lead 

to additional employment and a further distribution of economic development within the region. 

Discussions with the target industries in the region indicated that development patterns and logistics 

planning were influenced by the quality and availability of the transportation network. Manufacturers 

sought to reduce total logistics costs by selecting production locations with good network access, utilizing 

intermodal connections when available and cost effective, and by taking advantage of international 

markets. ARC can contribute to this market expansion by identifying and alleviating constraints in the 

transportation network and by improving the highway, rail and waterway transportation systems. 

Appalachian Regional Commission Global Competitiveness of 

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CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION 

This study assesses the opportunities and challenges posed by trade liberalization to regional producers 

and exporters of goods and services within the Appalachian region. The study provides the industry and 

geographical detail for analyzing the export potential of regional industries. The study also evaluates the 

transportation infrastructure needs for expanded trade operations and shipments. 

In carrying out these analyses, the study focused on the specification of appropriate industry categories 

and geographies within the Appalachian region. We then pulled together literature and data sources 

relevant to that level of industry and combined it with a trade and transportation analysis framework. The 

initial set of manufacturing industry sectors considered include: lumber and wood products, household 

furnishings, and arts and crafts; industrial machinery; automobiles and auto parts; electronic components; 

medical instruments and supplies; plastics products; textiles, apparel and knitting mills; environmental 

products and services coal and mining equipment. The only service industry considered is the educational 

services industry.

The final report is organized and written with the aim of providing policy makers and local economic 

development practitioners with information on potential opportunities and challenges for the global 

competitiveness of key industry clusters. 

Section two identifies key manufacturing and service industry clusters within the Appalachian region. 

Based on findings from prior ARC studies, discussions with representatives of the Export Trade Advisory 

Council (ETAC) and the analysis of production and trade data, we narrowed the number of industry

clusters to evaluate in detail to six key manufacturing industry clusters. These include the following: the 

auto parts industry, the electronic components industry, the wooden household furniture industry, the 

upholstered household furniture industry, and the food processing machinery and packaging machinery

industries. 

For the services industry, we focused on the educational services industry by highlighting Best Practices 

in International Student Programs within Higher Education Institutions in Appalachia. The analysis 

details the marketing efforts of eight different types of higher educational institutions within Appalachia 

to attract students from other countries. It also summarizes some of the approaches that have been 

implemented by other institutions. 

Section three identifies and evaluates potential markets in terms of growth, accessibility, and market 

prices. The identification of these markets were obtained primarily through interviews with business and 

economic experts familiar with the respective industry sectors. 

Section four consists of a transportation and logistics analysis. In this section we analyze the 

transportation trade flows between production centers and markets. For each geographic sub-region we 

noted the primary markets served and the transportation means used to deliver the products. This includes 

identifying the points of export (and associated export volume) used for each commodity, as well as a 

breakdown of the inland transportation nodes used to deliver products from production centers to U.S. 

export points. For comparison purposes, we also tabulate each port’s share of U.S. exports to a given 

market. 

In the fifth and final section, we summarize and present the key findings of the study.

Appalachian Regional Commission 8 Global Competitiveness of

Selected Industries and Clusters in The Appalachian Region
CHAPTER 2: INDUSTRIAL ANALYSIS 

Chapter Two is divided into two major parts: the manufacturing industry analysis section and the services 

industry analysis section. 

2A Manufacturing Industry Analysis

The main purpose of the first section is to discuss key Appalachian manufacturing industry clusters with 

strong export potentials. In selecting the key industry clusters, the project team examined broad segments 

of the Appalachian economy including 12 major industry groups. Variables considered include, but are 

not limited to industry size, production value, employment, growth rates and export trends. The following 

are the initial set of 12 industry cluster candidates considered: 

• Industrial Machinery

• Lumber and Wood Products 

• Plastics Parts and Chemicals 

• Auto-parts and Related Products 

• Furniture and Related Products 

• Electronic Components 

• Textiles and Related Products 

• Apparel and Related Products 

• Environmental Technologies 

• Medical Equipments 

• Communications Services 

• Coal 

More detailed discussions on the 12 industry groups can be found in Appendix A. 

Instead of focusing on all of these industry clusters, the ARC and the project team recognized the need to 

focus on a select group of industries with current or future prospects for growth in exports. In order to 

identify the Appalachian industry clusters with the strongest export potential, we analyzed a number of 

factors that influenced the overall health and competitiveness of an industry cluster. 

The factors are: 

• Location and geographic distribution of the industries; 

• Current industry size and future growth potential; 

• Nature of the industry i.e. is it a traditional/mature sector or an emerging technology sector; 

• Export intensity; 

• Growth in foreign demand; 

• Competitive pressures; 

• Current trade relations; and 

• State/Federal initiatives (export promotion for targeted industries). 

In addition to the factors listed above, extensive contributions and participation from industry 

representatives, and members of the Appalachian region’s Export Trade Advisory Council, provided 

necessary information on which the project team based its selection of six Appalachian export industry

clusters. These six industries are well distributed within the region and are well positioned to become

even more significant components in the region’s economy if the region takes advantage of the export 

Appalachian Regional Commission 9 Global Competitiveness of

Selected Industries and Clusters in The Appalachian Region
potential. These six industries will serve as the focal point for assessing the export potential of regional 

industry clusters in later sections of the study. 

The six industry clusters are: 

• Electronic Components (SIC 3675, 3676, 3677, 3678, 3679) 

• Food Processing Machinery (SIC 3356) 

• Packaging Machinery (SIC 3565) 

• Wooden Household Furniture (SIC 2511) 

• Upholstered Household Furniture (SIC 2512) 

• Auto Parts (SIC 3714) 

(SIC stands for Standard Industrial Classification) 

The rest of this section will be devoted to examining these six key industries in greater detail. The main 

issues to be addressed within these industries include: 

• Geographic concentration; 

• Labor costs; 

• Labor productivity;

• Capital investment; 

• Capacity utilization; 

• Industry concentration; 

• Regional transactions; 

• Economic impact multipliers; and 

• Regulatory issues. 

2.1 Geographic Concentration 

Employment 

Employment data by county for the year 2000 were obtained from the Minnesota IMPLAN Group's 

(MIG) regional input-output modeling system. To develop the data, MIG consolidates data from a wide 

variety of government sources and then applies proprietary algorithms to estimate points that are missing 

or are withheld for disclosure reasons. Geographic distributions of these data are reproduced visually in

the following maps of Appalachian counties. The maps show where production centers are concentrated 

which will correlate to some extent with export movement origins. The maps can also be used to identify 

county gaps within, between, or around these clusters which may be able to take advantage of existing 

transportation and logistics infrastructure/services if production were to be stimulated. 

2.1.1 Electronic Components 

As shown in Exhibit 2-1, production of electronic components is concentrated in the northern and 

southern regions of Appalachia, with some production also taking place in the central region. Three large 

clusters can be distinguished: one comprising the production locations in Pennsylvania and New York, 

one comprising production locations in Tennessee, North Carolina, and South Carolina; and one 

comprising production locations in Alabama. The northern cluster is the largest and most successful of 

these clusters. 

Appalachian Regional Commission Global Competitiveness of 

Selected Industries and Clusters in The Appalachian Region

10
Exhibit 2-1: Employment by County in Electronic Components Industry, 2000 

Data Source: Minnesota IMPLAN Group's (MIG) Regional Input-Output Modeling System. Electronic components 

sectors include SIC 3675, 3676, 3677, 3678, 3679. 

Appalachian Regional Commission Global Competitiveness of 

Selected Industries and Clusters in The Appalachian Region

11
2.1.2 Auto Parts

As depicted in Exhibit 2-2, the production of auto parts is widespread in the northern, central and 

southern regions of Appalachia. The largest concentrations occur in Appalachian counties within the 

central and southern regions. This includes the states of Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina, 

South Carolina, Kentucky, Virginia and Southern Ohio. A smaller cluster is distributed within northern 

Appalachia in the states of Ohio, Pennsylvania and New York. 

Exhibit 2-2: Employment by County in Automotive Parts Industry, 2000 

Data Source: Minnesota IMPLAN Group's (MIG) Regional Input-Output Modeling System. 

Auto parts data from SIC 3714.

Appalachian Regional Commission 12 Global Competitiveness of

Selected Industries and Clusters in The Appalachian Region
2.1.3 Machinery

Exhibits 2-3 and 2-4 show that the production of food processing machinery and packaging machinery

takes place in New York, Pennsylvania and Ohio, and along a corridor between southern Virginia and 

Alabama. Both clusters are fairly large, unevenly distributed and contain small pockets where production 

takes place. 

Exhibit 2-3: Employment by County in Food Processing Machinery Industry, 2000 

Data Source: Minnesota IMPLAN Group's (MIG) Regional Input-Output Modeling System. Food Processing

Machinery Industry data from SIC 3556.

Appalachian Regional Commission 13 Global Competitiveness of

Selected Industries and Clusters in The Appalachian Region
Exhibit 2-4: Employment by County in Packaging Machinery Industry, 2000 

Data Source: Minnesota IMPLAN Group's (MIG) Regional Input-Output Modeling System. Packaging Machinery

Industry data from SIC 3565. 

Appalachian Regional Commission 14 Global Competitiveness of

Selected Industries and Clusters in The Appalachian Region
2.1.4 Household Furniture 

As shown in Exhibit 2-5, production of upholstered household furniture is concentrated in the northern 

and southern regions of Appalachia, with little production taking place in the central region. Three large 

clusters can be distinguished: one comprising the production locations in Mississippi and Alabama, one 

comprising production locations in Tennessee, North Carolina, Georgia, South Carolina, Kentucky, and 

Virginia; and one comprising production locations in Pennsylvania, New York and Ohio. 

Exhibit 2-5: Employment by County in Upholstered Household Furniture Industry, 2000 

Data Source: Minnesota IMPLAN Group's (MIG) Regional Input-Output Modeling System. Upholstered Furniture 

Industry data from SIC 2512. 

Appalachian Regional Commission Global Competitiveness of 

Selected Industries and Clusters in The Appalachian Region

15
The geographic distribution of wooden household furniture is somewhat similar to that of upholstered 

household furniture. Exhibit 2-6 reveals three large production clusters, two in the southern region and 

one in the northern region. 

Exhibit 2-6: Employment by County in Wooden Household Furniture Industry, 2000 

Source: Minnesota IMPLAN Group's (MIG) Regional Input-Output Modeling System. Wood furniture industry data

from SIC 2511. 

Appalachian Regional Commission Global Competitiveness of 

Selected Industries and Clusters in The Appalachian Region

16
2.2 Labor Costs 

Labor costs can be defined as the expenses on worker compensation and benefits. It is usually the single 

largest component of production costs. The cost of labor as a percentage of shipments refers to the share 

of labor costs in the value of produced goods. Appalachian industry clusters with higher labor costs as a 

percentage of shipments may be faced with higher production costs, lower profits, and pressure to raise 

prices. This directly affects their local and foreign competitiveness. Table 2-1 compares the share of labor 

costs as a percentage of shipments in Appalachian states to that of the entire U.S. A ratio greater than one 

suggests that local industry labor costs are higher than the national average. 

Table 2-1. Labor Costs 

Food Motor Upholstered Wooden

Processing Packaging Electronic Vehicle Household Household

State Machinery Machinery Components Parts Furniture Furniture

labama 1.59 1.83 0.66 0.94 NA 0.92

eorgia 0.81 0.76 0.75 0.67 0.86 0.75

entucky NA 0.98 0.87 0.54 1.01 1.13

aryland NA 1.20 1.43 NA 0.99 1.26

ississippi NA NA 0.50 0.55 1.01 0.64

ew York 0.91 0.99 0.86 0.74 1.38 1.03

orth Carolina 1.23 1.08 0.57 0.58 1.00 1.07

o 0.91 1.03 0.71 0.73 1.25 0.71

nnsylvania 1.21 0.82 0.54 0.86 1.07 1.14

outh Carolina NA 0.96 0.97 0.52 NA 0.90

ennessee NA NA 0.84 0.57 1.06 1.13

irginia 1.05 1.23 1.02 0.63 0.95 1.05

est Virginia NA NA NA 0.78 NA 1.02

S 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00

Cost of Labor as a Percentage of Shipments

(Ratio of State Shares to US Shares)

A

G

K

M

M

N

N

Ohi

Pe

S

T

V

W

U

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Department of Commerce. Calculations by JFA. 

The food processing machinery and packaging machinery industries had the highest incidence of 

relatively higher local labor costs. For the food processing machinery industry, labor costs were 

particularly higher than the national average in Alabama, North Carolina and South Carolina. In Alabama 

for example, labor costs were 59 percent higher than the food processing machinery industry’s national 

average. While in North Carolina it was 23 percent higher than the national average. One factor 

underlying this observed trend is the effect of relatively high hourly wages. Table 2-2 compares the 

hourly wages of Appalachian production workers to the national average. Hourly wages in the food 

processing machinery industry in Alabama was 32 percent higher than the national average. In North 

Carolina, hourly wages in the food processing machinery industry were 74 percent higher than the 

national average. 

Appalachian Regional Commission Global Competitiveness of 

Selected Industries and Clusters in The Appalachian Region

17
Table 2-2. Hourly Wages 

Food Motor Upholstered Wooden

Processing Packaging Electronic Vehicle Household Household

State Machinery Machinery Components Parts Furniture Furniture

labama 1.32 1.36 1.24 2.39 NA 0.76

eorgia 1.64 1.57 1.01 1.25 0.81 0.89

entucky NA 1.92 0.95 1.33 0.77 0.93

aryland NA 1.81 1.15 NA 1.24 0.95

ississippi NA NA 0.84 1.14 1.15 0.70

ew York 1.63 1.46 1.27 2.33 1.29 1.15

orth Carolina 1.74 1.57 1.41 1.44 1.15 1.04

hio 1.46 1.42 1.28 2.08 1.40 0.94

nnsylvania 1.41 1.70 1.41 1.77 1.10 1.04

outh Carolina NA 2.08 1.27 1.33 NA 0.97

ennessee NA NA 1.24 1.37 1.03 0.97

irginia 1.44 1.62 1.64 1.40 0.95 0.92

est Virginia NA NA NA 1.52 NA 0.94

S 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00

(Ratio of Average State Wage to US Average Wage)

Hourly Wages for Production Workers

A

G

K

M

M

N

N

O

Pe

S

T

V

W

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Department of Commerce. Calculations by JFA. 

U

The auto parts industry is the only Appalachian industry where labor costs were lower than the national 

average despite much higher local hourly wages. To explain this observed trend, we would have to 

consider the effect of labor productivity. Differences in labor productivity are a key determinant of wage 

differences between regional industry clusters. A higher level of labor productivity would explain why

despite higher hourly wages, labor costs still accounted for a lower share of auto parts industry shipments 

when compared to the national average. 

The wooden household furniture industry in most Appalachian states had relatively lower labor costs than 

the national average. This trend can also be partly explained by the fact that hourly wages in most of 

Appalachia’s wooden household furniture industries were much lower than the national average. 

2.3 Labor Productivity

Labor productivity measures the quantity of output produced for a given hour of labor input. For a 

particular industry within Appalachia or the U.S., labor productivity is the output per person employed in 

that industry. Table 2-3 compares average state productivity to average national productivity for select 

industries. A ratio higher than one implies that labor productivity in the state industry is higher than the 

national industry. A ratio lower than one would suggest that the local industry is less productive. These 

ratios have important ramifications for Appalachian industry clusters because productivity gains are the 

main determinants of improvements in material standard of living. More productive workers and/or 

regions tend to command higher wages and salaries than less productive workers/regions. 

Appalachian Regional Commission 18 Global Competitiveness of

Selected Industries and Clusters in The Appalachian Region
Table 2-3. Labor Productivity 

Food Motor Upholstered Wooden

Processing Packaging Electronic Vehicle Household Household

State Machinery Machinery Components Parts Furniture Furniture

labama 1.12 1.09 1.83 2.19 NA 0.74

eorgia 3.21 5.48 1.95 1.68 0.73 1.05

entucky NA 3.70 1.53 2.05 0.65 0.84

aryland NA 1.87 1.38 NA 1.11 0.93

ississippi NA NA 1.44 1.64 1.02 1.11

ew York 2.75 2.87 2.30 2.34 0.91 1.50

orth Carolina 1.90 2.27 3.53 2.52 1.08 0.99

o 2.98 3.47 2.23 2.03 1.37 1.96

ennsylvania 1.96 3.99 5.07 2.18 1.01 1.01

outh Carolina NA 3.16 1.75 2.42 NA 0.93

ennessee NA NA 1.79 2.10 0.97 0.78

rginia 1.72 ? 2.46 2.03 0.94 0.86

est Virginia NA NA NA 1.71 NA 0.92

S 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00

Labor Productivity: Dollars of Value Added Per Production Worker Hour

(Ratio of Average State Productivity to US Average Productivity)

A

G

K

M

M

N

N

Ohi

P

S

T

Vi

W

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Department of Commerce. Calculations by JFA. 

U

Labor productivity in a number of Appalachian states’ wooden household furniture industries was much 

lower than the national average. Wooden household furniture industries in Alabama, Kentucky, 

Tennessee and Virginia recorded particularly lower levels of labor productivity. Since hourly wages tend 

to equate labor productivity under competitive conditions, it is not surprising that the wooden household 

furniture industry in Appalachia had lower hourly wages than the national average (see Table 2-3 above). 

Lower labor and consequently production costs help the furniture industry’s competitiveness in the shortrun. However, in order to compete effectively in the long run and especially in foreign markets with much 

lower labor costs, Appalachian states with lower labor productivities than the national average would 

need to improve on the productivity of their laborers. 

Appalachian state industries such as food processing machinery, packaging machinery, auto parts and 

electronic components were earlier observed to have higher hourly wages and labor costs than the 

national average. These industries also have higher levels of labor productivity than their national 

counterparts. A good example cited earlier is the auto parts industry. For each Appalachian state, labor 

productivity in the auto parts industry exceeded the national average. Since differences in labor 

productivity are a key determinant of wage differences between industries, the higher level of labor 

productivity explains why labor costs and hourly wages were higher in these industries. Advances in 

technology and improvements in education and training are key factors that affect labor productivity.

Given the technology intensive nature of the food processing machinery, packaging machinery, auto parts 

and electronic components industries, Appalachian states could further enhance labor productivity by

investing more in training and new technologies. 

Appalachian Regional Commission Global Competitiveness of 

Selected Industries and Clusters in The Appalachian Region

19
2.4 Capital Investment 

Capital investment measures additions to an industry’s fixed productive assets. Table 2-4 compares 

capital investment by Appalachian states to the national average. A ratio higher than one suggests a 

higher level of capital investment by the state industry while a ratio lower than one suggests that the state 

industry is lagging behind the national industry in capital investments. Increases in capital investment 

tend to enhance labor productivity, lower production costs and improve the industry’s overall level of 

competitiveness. 

Table 2-4. Capital Investment 

Food Motor Upholstered Wooden

Processing Packaging Electronic Vehicle Household Household

State Machinery Machinery Components Parts Furniture Furniture

labama 1.08 0.92 1.51 1.60 NA 0.81

eorgia 1.65 0.56 NA 2.02 0.98 0.70

entucky NA 0.77 NA NA 0.94 0.78

aryland NA 1.45 4.20 NA 0.29 1.13

ississippi NA NA NA 0.88 0.37 0.93

ew York 0.57 0.93 1.49 1.40 0.71 2.49

orth Carolina 0.95 0.57 1.43 1.51 0.51 0.72

hio 1.23 1.11 2.26 2.43 NA 1.45

ennsylvania NA 0.61 1.77 1.63 0.49 1.00

uth Carolina NA 1.52 2.65 1.80 NA 0.73

ennessee NA NA 1.70 1.86 0.67 0.74

irginia 1.46 1.29 13.10 1.86 0.51 1.23

est Virginia NA NA NA NA NA 1.23

S 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00

Capital Investment: Dollars of Investment Per Dollar of Output

(Ratio of State Investment Share to US Investment Share)

A

G

K

M

M

N

N

O

P

So

T

V

W

U

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Department of Commerce. Calculations by JFA.

Capital investment in the electronic components and auto parts industries exceeded the national average 

in most Appalachian states. For example, in Virginia, capital investment in the electronic components 

industry was 13 times greater than the national average. With the exception of Mississippi, capital 

investment in the auto parts industry was anywhere from 40 percent to more than 100 percent higher than 

the national average. The electronic components industry in some Appalachian states is backed by a 

strong research and development base which includes a number of federal and state funded research and 

development facilities. The higher level of capital investment enhances the productivity of these 

industries in Appalachia and their level of competitiveness. The upholstered and wooden household 

furniture industries in a number of Appalachian states had lower gross expenditures on capital investment 

than the national industry. An industry representative with the Alleghany Hardwoods Utilization Group in 

Pennsylvania cited the increase in the number of domestic firms relocating to foreign countries with lower 

labor costs as the prime reason for the observed decline in the level of capital investment in the furniture 

industry within the area. 

Appalachian Regional Commission Global Competitiveness of 

Selected Industries and Clusters in The Appalachian Region

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2.5 Capacity Utilization

Table 2-5 and the subsequent graphs show trends in capacity utilization for the selected industries. The 

data are not available at the regional level and are therefore reported only for the entire U.S. The figures 

reflect the percentage of full production that is currently being produced. As such, they are used for a 

number of purposes: to denote the amount of slack in the economy, to forecast changes in investment, to 

reflect the amount of demand relative to supply, and to serve as an indicator for changes in inflation or 

deflation. Although measurement difficulties lessen the usefulness of a single figure, the trends in the 

statistics are valuable for assessing changes in an industry or the economy over time. 

Declines in utilization can be brought about by a number of things, including reduced demand, increased 

foreign competition, and technological change. Increases can result from output expansions or the demise 

of marginal firms. 

Many economists consider a capacity utilization rate of 84 percent to be a threshold value, and rates 

above that are believed to be associated with inflationary risks. As can be seen, many of the selected 

industries were above or close to that threshold in the early to mid 1990s. In the year 2000, only

upholstered furniture and electronic components had values above 80 percent, with the rate for electronic 

components falling precipitously the following year in 2001. 

It can also be seen that the selected industries tend to follow the same trend exhibited for the entire 

manufacturing sector. This observation is corroborated in the following table which quantifies and 

compares the trends in the utilization ratios over time.1

 It is important to note the relatively sharp declines 

seen in the food processing machinery industry and the packaging machinery industry. As industries that 

produce capital investment goods, both are relatively more sensitive to economic downturns when cash 

flow is tight in industries that use their products. 

Table 2-5. Capacity Utilization for Selected Appalachian Industries 

Trend-line Statistics for Capacity Utilization Ratios 

Average Ratio 

Industry Beta R2 1991-2001 1999-2001 

Food Processing Machinery -1.9 0.85 73.6 67.0 

Packaging Machinery -2.69 0.94 75.5 63.0 

Electronic Components -1.03 0.19 77.1 73.0 

Motor Vehicle Parts -0.52 0.25 78.1 75.7 

Upholstered Household Furniture -0.88 0.42 82.4 80.7 

Wooden Household Furniture -1.33 0.56 79.1 73.3 

Total Manufacturing -1.05 0.65 74.1 69.7 

Source: Survey of Plant Capacity Current Industrial Reports, U.S. Census Bureau. 

 1

 The beta coefficients associated with the slopes of all of the respective linear trend lines are negative. Capacity 

utilization rates for food processing machinery, packaging machinery and wooden household furniture declined 

faster over the period than what was seen for total manufacturing, while the rates of the other selected industries 

declined at a relatively slower pace. With the exception of wooden household furniture, the R2

 values reveal a 

similar finding.

Appalachian Regional Commission Global Competitiveness of 

Selected Industries and Clusters in The Appalachian Region

21
Capacity Utilization

Household Furniture: Wooden

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001

Wooden Household Furniture Manufacturing

Capacity Utilization

Household Furniture: Upholstered

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001

Upholstered Household Furniture Manufacturing

Capacity Utilization

Automotive Parts

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001

Motor Vehicle Parts Manufacturing

Capacity Utilization

Electronic Components

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001

Electronic Components Manufacturing

Capacity Utilization

Food Processing Machinery

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001

Food Processing Machinery Manufacturing

Capacity Utilization

Packaging Machinery

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001

Packaging Machinery Manufacturing

Appalachian Regional Commission 22 Global Competitiveness of

Selected Industries and Clusters in The Appalachian Region
2.6 Industry Concentration 

The Herfindahl-Hirschman Index (HHI) provides a good assessment of industry concentration. In 

measuring the level of concentration, the HHI uses the market shares of all firms in the industry but 

places more weight on the larger firms. Table 2-6 presents the industry concentration ratios for select 

Appalachian industry clusters. 

Within Appalachia, of the six industry clusters considered, the auto vehicle parts industry had the highest 

HHI (659). Of the 4,767 firms in the auto parts industry, the four largest auto parts companies accounted 

for more than 41 percent of auto parts shipments. The largest fifty firms represent a little over one percent 

of the total number in the industry. Yet, they account for more than 70 percent of total auto parts industry

shipments. 

Table 2-6. Industry Concentration 

Herfindahl-Herschmann

Number of Index for 50

Industry Companies 4 8 20 50 Largest Companies

Food Processing Machinery 573 19.1% 27.1% 41.0% 60.0% 140

Packaging Machinery 644 16.6% 26.2% 44.3% 63.1% 145

Electronic Components 5,652 34.3% 42.8% 54.2% 65.5% 414

Motor Vehicle Parts 4,767 41.6% 49.3% 61.0% 70.7% 659

Upholstered Household Furniture 1,566 31.5% 39.1% 53.7% 68.7% 301

Wooden Household Furniture 3,677 25.7% 36.5% 50.5% 64.3% 238

Largest Comp

(Percent)

Industry Concentration

Value of Shipments Accounted for by the 4, 8, 20, and 50

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Department of Commerce. Calculations by JFA. 

The high tech electronic components industry cluster also recorded a relatively high HHI, with the four 

largest firms accounting for over 34 percent of total industry shipments. For each industry, Tables 2-7 to 

2-12 present more information on establishment sizes by number of employees.

Appalachian Regional Commission Global Competitiveness of 

Selected Industries and Clusters in The Appalachian Region

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Table 2-7. Establishment Size: Electronic Components 

Total

State Establishments <100 100-499 500+

Alabama 57 78.95% 17.54% 3.51%

Georgia 53 84.91% 11.32% 3.77%

Kentucky 23 73.91% 26.09% 0.00%

Maryland 63 90.48% 9.52% 0.00%

Mississippi 11 72.73% 18.18% 9.09%

New York 286 81.47% 15.38% 3.15%

North Carolina 116 68.97% 23.28% 7.76%

Ohio 169 85.80% 11.83% 2.37%

Pennsylvania 279 80.29% 14.70% 5.02%

South Carolina 30 50.00% 36.67% 13.33%

Tennessee 39 79.49% 17.95% 2.56%

Virginia 72 72.22% 23.61% 4.17%

West Virginia 5 80.00% 20.00% 0.00%

United States 5,973 80.76% 15.37% 3.87%

Distribution of Establishments by Size Class: Electronic Components

Percent of Establishments by Number of Employees

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Department of Commerce. 

Table 2-8. Establishment Size: Motor Vehicle Parts 

Total

State Establishments <100 100-499 500+

Alabama 73 73.97% 21.92% 4.11%

Georgia 109 73.39% 22.94% 3.67%

Kentucky 132 43.94% 46.21% 9.85%

Maryland 36 80.56% 19.44% 0.00%

Mississippi 52 53.85% 36.54% 9.62%

New York 185 84.86% 9.19% 5.95%

North Carolina 148 68.92% 22.97% 8.11%

Ohio 462 60.61% 29.65% 9.74%

Pennsylvania 160 80.00% 16.25% 3.75%

South Carolina 90 48.89% 40.00% 11.11%

Tennessee 172 62.79% 27.33% 9.88%

Virginia 77 67.53% 25.97% 6.49%

West Virginia 12 58.33% 25.00% 16.67%

United States 5,526 73.56% 20.68% 5.75%

Percent of Establishments by Number of Employees

Distribution of Establishments by Size Class: Motor Vehicle Parts

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Department of Commerce. 

Appalachian Regional Commission Global Competitiveness of 

Selected Industries and Clusters in The Appalachian Region

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Table 2-9. Establishment Size: Food Processing Machinery 

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Department of Commerce. 

Total

State Establishments <50 50-99 100+

Alabama 1 100.00% 0.00% 0.00%

Georgia 21 76.19% 4.76% 19.05%

Kentucky 5 60.00% 0.00% 40.00%

Maryland 6 100.00% 0.00% 0.00%

Mississippi 3 66.67% 33.33% 0.00%

New York 29 93.10% 6.90% 0.00%

North Carolina 11 36.36% 36.36% 27.27%

Ohio 26 73.08% 3.85% 23.08%

Pennsylvania 18 88.89% 5.56% 5.56%

South Carolina 3 100.00% 0.00% 0.00%

Tennessee 5 100.00% 0.00% 0.00%

Virginia 9 66.67% 22.22% 11.11%

West Virginia 0 NA NA NA

United States 577 82.84% 9.36% 7.80%

Distribution of Establishments by Size Class: Food Processing Machinery

Percent of Establishments by Number of Employees

Table 2-10. Establishment Size: Packaging Machinery 

Total

State Establishments <50 50-99 100+

Alabama 7 71.43% 14.29% 14.29%

Georgia 19 84.21% 5.26% 10.53%

Kentucky 7 42.86% 14.29% 42.86%

Maryland 6 66.67% 16.67% 16.67%

Mississippi 1 100.00% 0.00% 0.00%

New York 30 80.00% 13.33% 6.67%

North Carolina 20 85.00% 15.00% 0.00%

Ohio 40 75.00% 10.00% 15.00%

Pennsylvania 36 75.00% 16.67% 8.33%

South Carolina 5 40.00% 20.00% 40.00%

Tennessee 3 100.00% 0.00% 0.00%

Virginia 7 42.86% 28.57% 28.57%

West Virginia 1 100.00% 0.00% 0.00%

United States 643 77.29% 12.91% 9.80%

Distribution of Establishments by Size Class: Packaging Machinery

Percent of Establishments by Number of Employees

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Department of Commerce. 

Appalachian Regional Commission Global Competitiveness of 

Selected Industries and Clusters in The Appalachian Region

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Table 2-11. Establishment Size: Upholstered Household Furniture 

Total

State Establishments <50 50-99 100+

Alabama 16 87.50% 0.00% 12.50%

Georgia 37 89.19% 2.70% 8.11%

Kentucky 11 81.82% 0.00% 18.18%

Maryland 7 71.43% 14.29% 14.29%

Mississippi 103 50.49% 8.74% 40.78%

New York 82 97.56% 1.22% 1.22%

North Carolina 266 57.52% 14.29% 28.20%

Ohio 36 88.89% 5.56% 5.56%

Pennsylvania 56 92.86% 0.00% 7.14%

South Carolina 13 92.31% 0.00% 7.69%

Tennessee 45 66.67% 17.78% 15.56%

Virginia 27 74.07% 3.70% 22.22%

West Virginia 0 NA NA NA

United States 1,585 80.44% 6.69% 12.87%

Distribution of Establishments by Size Class: Upholstered Household Furniture

Percent of Establishments by Number of Employees

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Department of Commerce. 

Table 2-12. Establishment Size: Wooden Household Furniture 

Total

State Establishments <50 50-99 100+

Alabama 65 78.46% 13.85% 7.69%

Georgia 90 90.00% 5.56% 4.44%

Kentucky 38 92.11% 5.26% 2.63%

Maryland 46 91.30% 4.35% 4.35%

Mississippi 34 85.29% 2.94% 11.76%

New York 252 90.08% 5.56% 4.37%

North Carolina 212 69.81% 5.19% 25.00%

Ohio 153 97.39% 0.65% 1.96%

Pennsylvania 193 93.26% 4.66% 2.07%

South Carolina 35 88.57% 0.00% 11.43%

Tennessee 78 82.05% 5.13% 12.82%

Virginia 109 70.64% 4.59% 24.77%

West Virginia 11 90.91% 0.00% 9.09%

United States 3,913 89.83% 4.27% 5.90%

Distribution of Establishments by Size Class: Wooden Household Furniture

Percent of Establishments by Number of Employees

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Department of Commerce. 

Appalachian Regional Commission Global Competitiveness of 

Selected Industries and Clusters in The Appalachian Region

26
2.7 Regional Transactions 

Table 2-13 shows the percentage of industry inputs and outputs that are purchased and sold within 

Appalachia. The upholstered household and wood furniture industries are the most integrated industry

clusters within the Appalachian region. Over 50 percent of their inputs are purchased from Appalachian 

establishments, while more than 80 percent of their outputs are sold within Appalachia. According to a 

furniture industry representative, this trend can be attributed to the industry’s proximity to raw materials 

and the fact that many of the household furniture establishments in Appalachia are quite specialized and 

tend to serve specific niche markets within the region. 

Table 2-13. Regional Transactions 

Percentage of Intermediate Employee Compensation Percent of Industry

Inputs Purchased from as a Percent of Output Sold Within

Industry Appalachian Establishments Industry Output Appalachia

Motor Vehicle Parts 43.9% 20.9% 45.7%

Food Processing Machinery 50.7% 40.3% 68.9%

Packaging Machinery 57.1% 27.3% 66.2%

Electronic Components 49.0% 21.1% 40.1%

Upholstered Household Furniture 53.2% 31.3% 85.9%

Wooden Household Furniture 58.7% 29.0% 91.0%

Regional Economic Impact Statistics

Data Source: Appalachian Regional Commission. 

The electronic components and auto parts industries are the least integrated within the Appalachian 

region. Both of these industries are high tech industry clusters that require a variety of high tech inputs 

that may not be available within Appalachia. Also, given the nature of their outputs, they tend to cater to a 

much broader market outside Appalachia. 

2.8 Economic Impact Multipliers 

Economic Impact Multipliers estimate the total impact of an initial change in spending in a particular 

sector of the economy. It measures changes that occur in the level of local employment, income, output, 

sales and wealth. Table 2-14 presents economic impact multipliers for various industries within the 

Appalachian region. The economic impact multipliers were generated from a model of 410 Appalachian 

counties. The model takes into account forward and backward linkages between industries. Industries 

with higher multipliers generate more economic benefits within the Appalachian region. 

Appalachian Regional Commission 27 Global Competitiveness of 

Selected Industries and Clusters in The Appalachian Region
 Personal Personal

Industry Employment Output Income Industry Employment Output Income

Agriculture 1.45 1.89 1.96 Leather Products Mfg 2.25 1.83 2.24

Metal Mining 2.47 1.62 2.20 Non-metallic Mineral Products

Mfg 

2.52 1.82 1.84

Coal Mining 3.86 1.93 2.00 Primary Metal Mfg 3.37 1.81 2.25

Petroleum Mining 2.98 1.90 2.89 Fabricated Metal Products Mfg 2.27 1.72 1.93

Non-metallic Minerals Mining 2.10 1.80 1.72 Other Machinery MFG 2.79 1.93 2.23

Construction 2.33 2.00 2.12 Food Products Machinery 2.05 1.93 1.78

Food Mfg 3.57 1.81 2.90 Packaging Machinery 2.88 1.98 2.20

Table 2-14. Economic Impact Multiplier 

Tobacco Products Mfg 17.51 1.75 5.46 Other Electrical Equipment Mfg 2.68 1.79 2.07

Textile Products Mfg 2.52 2.07 2.42 Micro Electronic Components Mfg 2.72 1.91 2.41

Apparel Products Mfg 2.44 2.15 2.82 Other Transportation Equipment 

Mfg 

3.26 1.80 2.38

Wood Products Mfg 2.57 2.14 2.46 Motor Vehicle Parts and 

Accessories

3.00 1.81 2.24

Wood Household Furniture 2.06 2.02 2.15 Instruments Mfg 2.89 1.96 2.20

Upholstered Household

Furniture 

2.00 1.99 2.02 Miscellaneous Mfg 1.86 1.70 1.83

Other Furniture Mfg 2.45 1.94 2.30 Transportation Services 2.27 2.05 2.04

Paper Products Mfg 3.15 1.78 2.38 Communications and Utilities 3.60 1.79 2.25

Printing and Publishing 2.14 1.83 1.94 Wholesale Trade 2.10 1.84 1.73

Chemical Products Mfg 4.66 2.03 2.56 Retail Trade 1.39 1.81 1.62

Petroleum Products Mfg 11.73 1.99 6.76 Finance, Insurance and Real

Estate 2.23 1.58 2.09

Appalachian Regional Commission 28 Global Competitiveness of 

Selected Industries and Clusters in The Appalachian Region

Rubber and Plastic Products 2.73 2.01 2.40 Mfg

 Services 1.74 2.07 1.73 So Data ce: n Regional ssion. Appalachia Commi ur
2.9 Environmental Regulatory Costs 

In 1991, a U.S. Senator from Oklahoma (David Boren) introduced the International Pollution Deterrence 

Act, legislation that would have used import tariffs to counteract the supposedly higher environmental 

compliance costs faced by U.S. industry. It was assumed that U.S. environmental regulations significantly

impinged upon U.S. competitiveness, and in particular, with respect to developing countries.2

 However, 

some studies have found little impact, noting that most U.S. trade is with other developed countries that 

impose similar levels of environmental regulation. In addition, there is a theoretical proposition known as 

the Porter Hypothesis which posits that environmental regulation promotes innovation and therefore 

competitiveness. The issue continues to be debated and the empirical studies that have attempted to 

bolster or detract from the argument have not had much success. In fact, there is not a clear cut answer to 

any of these competing positions in the academic literature. Two of the main reasons for this are the lack 

of data and the inability to adequately measure compliance costs incurred by businesses. 

The empirical problems make it difficult to accurately gauge the state-to-state differences in regulatory

impacts. Such comparisons are important to be able to efficiently isolate and address areas that could 

improve competitiveness. Below, we report some of the mixed results that have been reported in the 

literature: these should be taken with a grain of salt. 

Table 2-15 presents the results of calculations developed using data from the 1999 Pollution Abatement 

Costs and Expenditures report published by the U.S. Department of Commerce. The numbers represent 

the per-unit cost for each state divided by the per-unit cost for the U.S. as a whole. With the exception of 

Georgia, similar patterns can be seen for both investment outlays and operating expenses: in other words, 

Maryland, New York, North Carolina and Virginia show per-unit expenditures below those of the U.S. 

while the remaining Appalachian states reveal figures that are above the corresponding U.S. values. Note 

that the ratios for South Carolina and West Virginia are significantly greater than the ratios presented for 

the other states. 

One problem with the numbers in the table is that they don't take into account industry mix and therefore 

don't accurately reflect a state's regulatory stringency. For example, states that have relatively higher 

concentrations of polluting industries will have relatively higher numbers. This does not mean that for a 

given industry one state's environmental regulations are more stringent than another state's. Ideally, one 

would like to do cross-state comparisons for each industry and then aggregate the results into a single 

cross-state comparison. 

Arik Levinson at Georgetown University has attempted to address this issue by developing a regulatory

stringency index that takes into account differences in industry mix across states.3

 The index is developed 

using data on pollution abatement costs, which are assumed to be related to environmental regulatory

stringency when other factors are taken into account. The index is reproduced below in Table 2-16. 

Relatively higher numbers are associated with relatively higher regulatory compliance costs on

businesses. Eight of the thirteen Appalachian states fall above the median index (0.945) while five fall 

below it. West Virginia and Mississippi both have indexes that are in the fourth quadrant and are ranked 

third and seventh respectively. Keep in mind that the data used to develop the index are somewhat dated, 

1977 to 1994, and may not accurately reflect the state of affairs that exists today. For example, note that 

California has an index below the median score and is ranked 29th in terms of regulatory stringency: a 

conclusion that would seem to be somewhat questionable. 

 2

 The flip-side of the coin is also being hotly debated: i.e., that international trade causes environmental degradation. 3 Levinson, Arik. “Pollution Abatement Costs and Foreign Direct Investment Inflows to U.S. States,"Georgetown

University, May 20, 2001. 

Appalachian Regional Commission 29 Global Competitiveness of 

Selected Industries and Clusters in The Appalachian Region
GSP 

2.00 0.83 1.80 0.49 1.97 0.40 0.73 1.73 1.26 3.29 1.43 0.90 3.73 

Emp. 

1.69 0.81 1.64 0.51 1.61 0.50 0.68 1.51 1.15 2.70 1.25 0.92 3.31 

Total Cost P

er 

Est. 

1.74 0.87 1.69 0.50 1.61 0.46 0.71 1.72 1.24 2.76 1.41 0.94 2.76 

GSP 

2.17 0.78 1.38 0.16 2.18 0.42 0.64 1.00 0.96 5.71 1.16 0.49 3.35 

Emp. 

1.83 0.77 1.25 0.17 1.78 0.53 0.60 0.87 0.88 4.68 1.01 0.51 2.97 

Other Costs Per 

Est. 

1.88 0.83 1.30 0.16 1.79 0.49 0.63 0.99 0.95 4.80 1.14 0.52 2.48 

GSP 

1.85 0.72 1.85 0.52 1.95 0.40 0.98 2.19 1.23 1.54 1.54 1.13 3.76 

Emp. 

1.56 0.70 1.68 0.54 1.59 0.51 0.83 1.91 1.12 1.26 1.33 1.16 3.34 

Operating Cost Per 

Est. 

1.60 0.76 1.74 0.53 1.59 0.47 0.87 2.18 1.21 1.29 1.51 1.18 2.78 

GSP 

2.23 1.18 2.13 0.78 1.81 0.35 0.39 1.28 1.68 5.36 1.46 0.72 4.07 

Emp. 

1.88 1.16 1.94 0.81 1.47 0.43 0.37 1.12 1.54 4.39 1.27 0.74 3.62 

Capit

al Cost Per 

Est. 

1.93 1.25 2.01 0.80 1.48 0.40 0.38 1.27 1.66 4.50 1.43 0.76 3.01 

State Alabama Georgia Kentucky Maryland Mississippi New YorkNorth Carolina Ohio Pennsylvani

a

South Carolina Tennessee Virginia West Virginia

Table 2-15: Pollution Abatement Costs and Expenditures 

Source: Levinson, Arik. “

Pollution Abatement Costs and Foreign Direct Investment Inflows to U.S. States,” 

Georgetown University, May 20, 2

0

01. 

Appalachian Regional Commission 30 Global Competitiveness of 

Selected Industries and Clusters in The Appalachian Region
Table 2-16. Regulatory Stringency Index 

Index Rank Quartile

AL 1.19 14 3

AR 1.17 15 3

AZ 1.39 8 4

CA 0.9 29 2

CO 1.01 19 3

CT 0.67 43 1

DE 1.3 11 4

FL 1.21 13 3

GA 0.91 26 2

IA 0.96 23 3

ID 1.66 1 4

IL 0.91 26 2

IN 1.14 17 3

KS 0.76 38 1

KY 0.99 21 3

LA 1.51 5 4

MA 0.67 43 1

MD 1.17 15 3

ME 1.55 4 4

MI 1.01 19 3

MN 0.66 45 1

MO 0.79 35 2

MS 1.47 7 4

MT 1.49 6 4

NC 0.82 32 2

ND 0.77 36 2

NE 0.83 31 2

NH 0.75 39 1

NJ 0.82 32 2

NM 1.64 2 4

NV 0.63 47 1

NY 0.77 36 2

OH 0.82 32 2

OK 0.58 48 1

OR 1.22 12 4

PA 0.91 26 2

RI 0.72 40 1

SC 0.99 21 3

SD 0.68 42 1

TN 1.1 18 3

TX 1.39 8 4

UT 0.93 25 2

VA 0.96 23 3

VT 0.66 45 1

WA 1.37 10 4

WI 0.89 30 2

WV 1.58 3 4

WY 0.72 40 1

1977 - 1994

Appalachian Regional Commission 31 Global Competitiveness of 

Selected Industries and Clusters in The Appalachian Region
Levinson used this index to assess the impact of environmental regulations on the distribution of foreign 

direct investment across U.S. states. The study is interesting because it contributes to the understanding of

business location decisions in general. The findings are used to produce Table 2-17, which shows the 

impact on foreign direct investment that can be attributed each state's environmental regulatory climate 

holding all other things constant. The numbers reflect the percentage change in foreign direct investment 

due to the change in regulatory climate (as defined by the industry adjusted index described above) and 

are based upon a comparison with the median industry adjusted index of pollution abatement. As can be 

seen, West Virginia's foreign direct investment was estimated to be over 5 percent lower than it would 

have been in a regulatory climate comparable to the median state. 

Table 2-17. Impact of State's Environmental Regulatory Climate on Foreign Direct Investment 

ource (for both tables): Levinson, Arik. “Pollution Abatement Costs and Foreign Direct Investment Inflows to U.S. 

Change in Foreign

State Direct Investment

NY 1.46%

NC 1.04%

OH 1.04%

GA 0.29%

PA 0.29%

VA -0.13%

KY -0.38%

SC -0.38%

TN -1.30%

MD -1.88%

AL -2.05%

MS -4.39%

WV -5.31%

S

States”, Georgetown University, May 20, 2001. 

Appalachian Regional Commission 32 Global Competitiveness of 

Selected Industries and Clusters in The Appalachian Region
2B The Services Industry 

The services sector is the largest component of the U.S. economy, accounting for 20.3 percent of all 

economic activity (See Exhibit 2-7 below). The United States is also the world’s leading producer and 

exporter of services. U.S. services exports more than doubled over the last decade—increasing from

$155.6 billion in 1990 to $323.4 billion in 2003. U.S. services exports also consistently exceeded services 

imports, contributing to a favorable trade balance (see Table 2-18 below). With advances in information 

systems and technology making U.S. services more readily available to the rest of the world, U.S. 

services exports are projected to grow well into the future. 

Exhibit 2-7: Average Share of U.S. GDP by Industry (1990 - 2001) 

 Manufacturing, 16.8%

 Transportation and 

public utilities, 8.5%

 Wholesale trade, 6.8%

 Retail trade, 9.0% Finance, insurance, and 

real estate, 18.9%

 Services, 20.3%

 Government, 12.5%

 Agriculture, forestry, and 

fishing, 1.6% Mining, 1.4%

 Construction, 4.2%

Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. 

Table 2-18. Exports and Imports of U.S. Services (US $ billions) 

1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996

Services Exports 155.7 173.3 187.4 195.9 210.8 228.9 250.2

7.4

.8

.5

Differnce 96.1 88.2 87.7 79.6 70 66.4 62.9

Year

122.3 123.6 123.6 128.1 137.7 146.1 15

33.4 49.7 63.8 67.8 73.1 82.8 92

1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003

267.6 275.1 294 311.9 303.6 309.1 323.4

171.5 186.9 206.3 232.3 233.6 242.7 260

Year

Services Exports

Services Imports

Services Imports

Differnce

Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. 

Appalachian Regional Commission 33 Global Competitiveness of 

Selected Industries and Clusters in The Appalachian Region
Education and training services are areas where U.S. expertise remains largely unparalleled. The 

educational services sector comprises establishments that provide instruction and training in a wide

ariety of subjects and is the fifth largest U.S. service sector export. During the 2001 to 2002 academic 

ion to the U.S. 

conomy. This figure is based on tuition figures from the College Board, enrollment figures from the 

Institute of International Education's Open Doors 2002 rep culated from

C ough t s wages and purchases of

go ls the contribution to t y by foreign students.

T Economy by Internati 2001 to 2002 

v

year, the 583,000 international students who studied in the U.S. contributed nearly $12 bill

4 e

ort, and living expenses cal

ollege Board figures.

5 These contributions flow thr he community a

ods and services. Table 2-19 detai he U.S. econom

able 2-19. Contribution to U.S. onal Students in

Number of Foreign Students 582,996 

Contribution from Tuition and Fees to U.S. Economy $6,755,000,000

Contribution from Living Expenses $9,498,000,000

Total Contribution by Foreign Students $16,253,000,000 

Less U.S. Support (29.1%) - $4,727,000,000

Plus Dependents’ Living Expenses + $425,000,000

Net Contribution to U.S. Economy by Foreign Students

and their Families: 

$11,952,000,000

Source: NAFSA; Association of International Educators 2001-2002. 

Given the importance of the educational services sector, this section of the study focuses on the export of 

higher education services in Appalachia. The main goal is to highlight Best Practices in International 

tudent Recruitment Programs within Higher Education Institutions in Appalachia. To accomplish this, 

the later part of this section examines and details the marketing efforts of eight different types of higher 

er countries. These representative 

stitutions were selected based on inputs from industry experts and higher education professionals within 

me

om Asian countries, with India as the lead country of origin. Asian countries and developing countries 

have been the leading countries of origin over the past ten years, and U.S. higher education institutions 

have targeted these countries to market their educational programs. Students from European countries and 

other countries with established higher education systems are less inclined to study in the U.S. due to 

lower educational costs, government educational subsidies, and availability of quality education in their 

home countries.6

 Table 2-21 lists the fifteen leading countries of origin for international students. 

 

S

educational institutions within Appalachia to attract students from oth

in

the Appalachian region. The sample was also chosen to represent institutions in the northern, central and 

southern subregions of Appalachia. 

2.10 The United States Educational Exports Sector 

In the 2001 to 2002 academic year, institutions around the United States hosted nearly 550,000 

international students from over a hundred countries. From Table 2-20, it can be determined that 

international students chose to study at universities located in a variety of areas, not solely in large 

metropolitan areas. International students studying in the 2001 to 2002 academic year primarily ca

fr

4 NAFSA Association of International Educators. The Economic Benefits of International 

Education to the United States of America: A Statistical Analysis. (2002). 

6

 Dr. Stephen Dunnett, SUNY Buffalo, interview by Krute Singa, telephone, 8 August 2003. 

5 NAFSA Association of International Educators. The Economic Benefits of International 

Education to the United States of America: A Statistical Analysis. (2002). 

Appalachian Regional Commission 34 Global Competitiveness of 

Selected Industries and Clusters in The Appalachian Region
Table 2-20. Top 10 Institutions with the Highest Number of International Students, 

 2001-2002 Academic Year

Rank Institution City State 

International 

Student 

Enrollment 

Total 

Enrollment 

1 University of Southern California Los Angeles CA 5,950 29,813

2 New York University New York NY 5,504 37,134

3 Columbia University New York NY 5,116 22,425

4 Purdue University Main Campus West Lafayette IN 4,695 37,871

5 University of Texas at Austin Austin TX 4,673 50,616

6 Boston University Boston MA 4,412 27,767

7 Ohio State University Main Campus Columbus OH 4,302 48,477

8 University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Champaign IL 4,287 37,684

9 University of Michigan - Ann Arbor Ann Arbor MI 4,149 38,248

10 University of Florida Gainesville FL 3,884 45,937

Source: Open Doors, Institute of International Education 2002. 

Table 2-21. Leading Countries of Origin for International Students, 2001 to 2002 

Rank Place of Origin 2000/2001 2001/2002 

2000/2001 

% Change 

% of U.S. Foreign

Student Total

1 India 54,664 66,836 22.3 11.5

2 China 59,939 63,211 5.5 10.8

3 Korea, Republic of 45,685 49,046 7.4 8.4

4 Japan 46,497 46,810 0.7 8.0

5 Taiwan 28,566 28,930 1.3 5.0

6 Canada 25,279 26,514 4.9 4.5

7 Mexico 10,670 12,518 17.3 2.1

8 Turkey 10,983 12,091 10.1 2.1

9 Indonesia 11,625 11,614 -0.1 2.0

10 Thailand 11,187 11,606 3.7 2.0

11 Germany 10,128 9,613 -5.1 1.6

12 Brazil 8,846 8,972 1.4 1.5

13 Pakistan 6,948 8,644 24.4 1.5

14 United Kingdom 8,139 8,414 3.4 1.4

15 Colombia 6,765 8,068 19.3 1.4

Source: Open Doors, Institute of International Education 2002. 

Appalachian Regional Commission 35 Global Competitiveness of 

Selected Industries and Clusters in The Appalachian Region
A large percentage of international students come to the U.S. to major in the business, engineering, and 

computer science fields. Table 2-22 details the fields of study for international students in the 2001 to

2002 academic year. 

Table 2-22. Fields of Study Among Foreign Students, in 2001 to 2002 

Field of Study 

2001/2001 

Foreign Students 

2001/2002 

Foreign Students 

% of

Total 

% 

Change 

TOTAL 547,867 582,996 100.0 6.4

Business & Management 106,043 114,885 19.7 8.3

Engineering 83,186 88,181 15.1 6.0

Mathematics & Computer Sciences 67,825 76,736 13.2 13.1

Other 57,235 59,785 10.3 4.5

Social Sciences 42,367 44,667 7.7 5.4

Physical & Life Sciences 38,396 41,417 7.1 7.9

Undeclared 35,779 36,048 6.2 0.8

Fine & Applied Arts 34,220 33,978 5.8 -0.7

Health Professions 22,430 24,037 4.1 7.2

Intensive English Language 23,011 21,237 3.6 -7.7

Humanities 16,123 18,367 3.2 13.9

Education 14,053 15,709 2.7 11.8

Agriculture 7,200 7,950 1.4 10.4

Source: Open Doors, Institute of International Education 2002. 

2.11 U.S. Losing Educational Export Market Share to Other Countries 

U.S. market share is steadily declining in international student market. The number of all international 

students who selected the U.S. for study decreased by approximately ten percent between 1982 and 1995. 

This is reflective of the United States’ hesitation to consider the international student market an asset to 

the economy. Other countries including the Untied Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand have 

launched aggressive recruitment strategies to attract foreign students, reaping the foreign policy,

economic, and educational benefits that international students bring.7

 

Australia, Canada and the United Kingdom, have developed national priorities and comprehensive 

strategies to attract larger numbers of international students. Countries in which English is not a primary

language, including Germany, Japan, and France are establishing programs to attract international 

students with some classes taught in English. Other nations have taken on a broader internationalization 

orientation that involves a mix of long and short-term study by international students on campus, satellite 

campuses and joint programs abroad, and distance education.8

The decline in U.S. market share does not reflect decline in international demand for U.S. higher 

education. Demand does exist as many foreign students prefer a U.S. education. Rather, the decline is a 

result of government imposed barriers to studying in the U.S., the high costs to finance an U.S. education, 

and the complexity of the U.S. higher education system. Due to the attacks on September 11, 2001, strict 

 7 NAFSA Association of International Educators. In America’s Interest: Welcoming International Students: Report 

of the Strategic Task Force on International Student Access. (2003), 6. 8

 Schneider, Michael. Others’ Open Doors: How Other Nations Attract International Students. Implications for U.S.

Educational Exchange. (2000), 3.

Appalachian Regional Commission 36 Global Competitiveness of 

Selected Industries and Clusters in The Appalachian Region
security and visa procedures have affected the rate of international students.9

 Though more stringent 

security measures are necessary for U.S. security, creating difficulties for international students to enter 

the country for study may produce more U.S. animosity in the future. International students are foreign 

policy assets; the more international students are hindered from attending higher education institutions in 

the U.S., the less political allies the U.S. may have in the future. 

2.12 Appalachian International Student Facts 

The Appalachian region higher education network consists of over 250 universities, colleges, and 

community colleges. There are approximately 220 higher education institutions in Appalachia with 

international student enrollment. Table 2-23 lists the higher education institutions in the area under the 

jurisdiction of the Appalachian Regional Commission with the highest numbers of enrolled international 

students. 

Table 2-23. Institutions in the Appalachian Region with the Highest Number of 

 International Student Enrollment in 2001 and 2002 (Top 20) 

Institution City State 

International 

Student 

Enrollment 

2001

International 

Student 

Enrollment 

2002

Total 

Enrollment 

Cornell University Ithaca NY 3,024 3,181 19,420

Carnegie Mellon University Pittsburgh PA 2,118 2,395 8,588

Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State 

University Blacksburg VA 1,592 2,087 25,000

West Virginia University Morgantown WV 1,133 1,207 22,774

Ohio University Main Campus Athens OH 1,189 1,168 19,661

SUNY - Binghamton University Binghamton NY 966 1,028 12,820

Mississippi State University MS State MS 1,004 1,022 

University of Tennessee, Knoxville Knoxville TN 959 972 26,000

University of Alabama at Birmingham Birmingham AL 815 910 16,542

University of Alabama Tuscaloosa AL 882 885 19,171

Clemson University Clemson SC 833 847 17,101

Duquesne University Pittsburgh PA 713 654 9,555

Indiana University of PA Indiana PA 467 624 13,410

University of Alabama in Huntsville Huntsville AL 448 479 6,754

Hocking Technical College Nelsonville OH 267 340 5,051

Lock Haven University of

Pennsylvania Lock Haven PA 414 338 4,125

La Roche College Pittsburgh PA 267 293 1,908

Jefferson State Community College Birmingham AL 390 239 8,076 

Gadsden State Community College Gadsden AL 238 231 5,192 

Edinboro University of Pennsylvania Edinboro PA 187 230 7,498 

Source: Open Doors, Institute of International Education 2002. 

Similar to the international student profile of the United States, the leading country of origin for 

international students studying in Appalachian states, in the 2001 to 2002 academic year was India, 

followed by China, the Republic of Korea, and Japan. Table 2-24 details the leading countries of origin

 9 NAFSA Association of International Educators. In America’s Interest: Welcoming International Students: Report 

of the Strategic Task Force on International Student Access. (2003), 6. 

Appalachian Regional Commission 37 Global Competitiveness of 

Selected Industries and Clusters in The Appalachian Region
for foreign students studying in the Appalachian Region states. Recruitment in Asian states is a high 

priority though some higher education institutions are actively recruiting students from developing 

countries through the development of research exchanges and joint degree programs between a U.S. 

university and a university in the developing country. Examples of these relationships are provided in 

Section 2.13, Best Practices in International Programs at Higher Education Institutions. Table 2-25 ranks 

the primary fields of study among international students in Appalachian higher education institutions. 

Table 2-24. Leading Country of Origin for Foreign Students 

in Appalachian Region States, 2001 to 2002 

Country of Origin 

% of Total

Foreign StudentsA

Total 

Number 

India 12.7% 22,598

China 11.7% 20,889

Republic of Korea 9% 16,097

Japan 6% 10,938

Canada 4% 6,795

Taiwan 1.5% 2,627

Total 44.9% 79,944 A Total Number of Foreign Students in Appalachian States, 177,865, from Table 2-26. 

Source: Open Doors, Institute of International Education, 2002. 

Table 2-25. Primary Fields of Study Among Foreign 

Students in Appalachian Region States 

Rank Field of Study 

1 Business and Management

2 Engineering

3 Math and Computer Science 

4 Physical and Life Sciences 

5 Other

6 Undeclared

Source: Open Doors, Institute of International Education, 2002. 

The net contribution by international students studying in the states comprising the Appalachian region 

amounted to $3.6 billion in the 2001 to 2002 academic year all of which translated to pure profit by

Appalachian higher education institutions and businesses. On average, an international student studying 

in Appalachia contributed $20,500 to the region, mainly from funds generated in their country of origin. 

2.13 Best Practices in International Programs at Higher Education Institutions 

Several universities and colleges in the Appalachian region have successfully implemented an 

international program to recruit, foster, and assist a foreign student population on campus. To promote the 

establishment of international student programs in additional higher education institutions in Appalachia, 

eight international program coordinators from colleges and universities in and around the Appalachian 

region were interviewed. The interviews provided information on how to establish an international 

program, how to recruit students, services to provide international applicants and accepted students, and 

how to promote economic liaisons between the international population and the local community and 

state. 

Appalachian Regional Commission 38 Global Competitiveness of 

Selected Industries and Clusters in The Appalachian Region
Table 2-26. Contribution to State Economies in the Appalachian Region by International 

 Students 2001-2002 

State 

Number

of

Foreign 

Students 

Contribution 

from Tuition 

and Fees 

Contribution 

from Living

Expenses 

Total 

Contribution 

by Foreign 

Students 

Less U.S. 

Support 

Plus 

Dependents’ 

Living

Expenses 

Net Contribution 

to State Economy

by Foreign 

Students and 

their Families: 

Alabama 6,040 $46,544,000 $81,796,000 $128,340,000 ($34,495,000) $3,442,000 $97,288,000

Georgia 11,991 $140,786,000 $186,714,000 $327,501,000 ($102,792,000) $8,716,000 $233,425,000

Kentucky 4,789 $39,731,000 $61,180,000 $100,911,000 ($28,048,000) $2,799,000 $75,662,000

Maryland 13,947 $150,281,000 $219,398,000 $369,678,000 ($83,288,000) $8,763,000 $295,154,000

Mississippi 2,381 $18,109,000 $36,986,000 $55,095,000 ($11,643,000) $1,213,000 $44,665,000

New York 62,053 $850,626,000 $1,080,522,000 $1,931,148,000 ($619,296,000) $51,495,000 $1,363,347,000

N.Carolina 8,960 $109,463,000 $141,185,000 $250,648,000 ($86,481,000) $7,080,000 $171,248,000

Ohio 19,384 $243,934,000 $317,707,000 $561,641,000 ($198,773,000) $16,703,000 $379,571,000

Penn. 24,014 $389,135,000 $393,713,000 $782,848,000 ($253,435,000) $18,025,000 $547,437,000

S.Carolina 3,731 $35,825,000 $61,923,000 $97,748,000 ($33,380,000) $2,947,000 $67,315,000

Tennessee 5,867 $69,991,000 $88,462,000 $158,453,000 ($40,952,000) $3,357,000 $120,857,000

Virginia 12,600 $136,345,000 $196,356,000 $332,701,000 ($79,507,000) $7,990,000 $261,184,000

W Virginia 2,108 $17,724,000 $33,201,000 $50,926,000 ($17,993,000) $1,477,000 $34,410,000

Total 177,865 $2,248,494,000 $2,899,143,000 $5,147,638,000 ($1,590,083,000) $ 134,007,000 $3,657,187,410

Source: NAFSA: Association of International Educators 2001-2002. 

The eight international programs were picked based on the following criteria: 

• undergraduate and graduate level foreign student admissions 

• number of foreign students in attendance 

• scale and method of recruiting efforts 

• size of institution 

• cost of tuition 

• affiliation (religious) 

• local economic development involvement 

International program coordinators were interviewed by telephone for the following universities and 

colleges: 

Marshall University, WV 

Clemson University, SC 

Carnegie Mellon University, PA 

Lee University, TN 

University of Scranton, PA 

Jefferson State Community College, AL 

Troy State University, AL 

State University of New York (SUNY) 

SUNY Fredonia 

SUNY Buffalo

Appalachian Regional Commission 39 Global Competitiveness of 

Selected Industries and Clusters in The Appalachian Region
2.13.1 Marshall University, WV 

Size of Institution: 

12,000 undergraduate and 4,000 graduate students total between the main campus, medical center, South 

Charleston campus, and online 

Location: 

Huntington, West Virginia 

Degrees Offered: 

Bachelors and Masters 

Type of Institution: 

Public Regional University with accreditations 

Size of International Program: 

400 international students, undergraduate and graduate, from 50 countries 

Interviewee:

Dr. Will Edwards, Director, Marshall Center for International Studies10

Marshall University is located in the Appalachian region. It hosts an average of 400 international students 

a year from 50 countries, mainly those in Asia, the Middle East, Europe and South America. On average, 

international students stay for 3 years, though there are students who participate in the one year exchange 

programs available at Marshall. Many students commence their education at Marshall in Learning English 

for Academic Purposes (L.E.A.P.), an intensive English language program, and then transfer to an 

undergraduate or graduate program. International student enrollment numbers depend on world 

conditions. Marshall’s international program suffered low enrollment levels from Asian countries during 

the Asian stock market crash, the period immediately following September 11, 2001, and the Severe 

Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) outbreak. 

The most popular major for international students is business as Marshall has a national accreditation for 

its business school through the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). The 

Information Systems major is the second most popular major, followed by the sciences and liberal arts. 

The L.E.A.P. program has averaged 40 to 60 students total per semester in all three levels, beginner, 

intermediate, and advanced. 

The objectives of Marshall University’s international program are both cultural and economic. The 

Marshall community is enriched by the presence of a variety of cultures. The university benefits 

economically from the international students ability to pay full tuition as no financial aid is given to the 

students. 

Marshall Center for International Studies Recruitment Strategy 

The Marshall Center for International Studies engages in a variety of activities to recruit international 

students. The Center has cultivated and established several relationships with embassies, recruitment 

agents, and foreign universities to promote the University. The strategies successful in attracting 

international students to Marshall include: 

1. Web-based marketing. Web based marketing sites exist; for example, English-as-a-SecondLanguage websites charge a fee of $100 per year, per page. Listing through these types of 

websites has proven successful for Marshall. 

 10 Dr. Will Edwards, interview by Krute Singa, telephone, 9 September 2003. 

Appalachian Regional Commission 40 Global Competitiveness of 

Selected Industries and Clusters in The Appalachian Region
2. Recruiting Agents. Countries like Thailand and Vietnam only work with agents. Agents are 

affiliated with Fulbright, IEE, and provide private counseling and application assistance. 

3. Recruitment Fairs. Recruitment fairs are established through a private enterprise. To participate 

in the fair, there is a fee to set up a booth. 

4. Market share data and research. The market data provided by the Institute of International 

Education, Open Doors database is analyzed to determine the leading countries of origin and 

academic programs for international students. 

5. Department of Commerce. Marshall coordinates with the Department of Commerce in targeting 

similar areas and countries. 

6. Southern Growth Policy Board, Global Strategies Advisory Council. Marshall is associated with 

the Council to study export data, including educational exports. The Council involves thirteen 

states, some from Appalachia. 

7. Embassies. Marshall recruits students by forming a relationship with a country’s embassy.

8. Foreign Universities. Creating a relationship and establishing programs with a foreign university

allows for students and faculty from both universities to take advantage of educational 

opportunities without difficulty.

9. Word of Mouth. International students who have completed study at Marshall provide the best 

form of advertisement, informing their friends and relatives of the programs at Marshall. 

Establishing a relationship with a foreign university is most effectively undertaken when faculty and the 

faculty’s department are involved in the negotiations and program details. The Center for International 

Studies initiates the process, recruiting the appropriate faculty to aid in designing the program. 

Dr. Edwards emphasized the importance of establishing relationships with embassies, foreign universities, 

private businesses, and recruitment agents. These relationships require substantial investments of time and 

resources during the initial years, though once established, yield great benefits and results. For example, 

the Business Department at Marshall sought to create a business exchange program with China. It worked 

with a private corporation in China for seven years before the program became established. At present, 

the program is successful in attracting mid-level Chinese business professionals to engage in the English 

language program and business classes offered by Marshall. This example demonstrates the level of 

persistence and time investment required to create successful programs. Once the program is established, 

time and commitment are necessary to maintain the relationship. 

The success of Marshall’s international program is also due to the relative ease with which international 

students can acquire information about Marshall and the international program. Marshall University’s 

main webpage has a link to an international page where international students can discover more 

information about admission requirements, international student services and support, multi-cultural 

affairs and events, and L.E.A.P., the intensive English program. It is beneficial to have clear, quick, and

informative links for international students as it implies that the University is a place where they feel 

welcomed. 

Basically, there are no costs involved in running the Center. The web based fees for web-based marketing 

are negligible and the costs of traveling to recruitment fairs are recovered when two students are recruited 

from the fair, though the number of students recruited from the fairs is far more than two. Essentially, the 

program pays for itself and the local community earns money as well from foreign student spending on 

food, cars, and activities. 

Appalachian Regional Commission 41 Global Competitiveness of 

Selected Industries and Clusters in The Appalachian Region
2.13.2 Clemson University, SC 

Size of Institution: 

Undergraduate 13,750, graduate 3,100 

Location: 

Clemson, South Carolina 

Degrees Offered: 

Bachelors, Masters, and Doctorate 

Type of Institution: 

Public University 

Size of International Program: 

870 international students, undergraduate and graduate, from 73 countries 

Interviewee:

Bonnie Holaday, Dean of the Graduate School and Associate Vice Provost for Research11

Clemson University is classified by the Carnegie Foundation as a Doctoral/Research UniversityExtensive, a category comprising less than four percent of all universities in the United States. The 

University is committed to internationalizing as can be seen by the level of faculty involvement in 

international programs, the international activities database, and the attendance of approximately 850 

international students per year from over seventy countries to attend both undergraduate and graduate 

programs. 

International Service and Diversity Programs (ISDP) is generally the office with which prospective 

international students and visitors have their first contact with Clemson. The ISDP acts as liaison between 

the INS (Immigration and Naturalization Services) and all international students on the campus, whether 

they are undergraduate or graduate students, faculty, staff or exchange visitors. ISDP creates and 

coordinates program development by student affairs units and works co-operatively with all offices 

involved in developing international programs or services at Clemson University. ISDP advises students 

and refers them as needed to other services on campus. ISDP staff are members of NAFSA, the 

Association of International Educators. 

The development of international programs is mainly administered by faculty members and their 

departments. The international students are hosted by departments. Faculty members at Clemson are 

heavily involved in the international program, lending their expertise and knowledge about a particular 

country or region to help establish and manage the programs. They attend national meetings, including

the European Council of Graduate Education, as well as professional meetings. Faculty members develop 

relationships with foreign universities and their relationships with foreign professors allow for recruitment 

of qualified international students. 

In an effort to promote internationalization of the university, the International Initiatives Committee has 

developed a data bank of international activities at Clemson University. The purpose of this data bank is 

to facilitate strategies for promoting internationalization and to provide faculty and students with an 

avenue for exploring existing international programs and areas of expertise within the university. The 

Database includes: 

• over 400 Clemson University professors who have international experience and connections; 

• over 500 international programs in 66 countries on six continents; and 

• over 400 international projects. 

 11 Bonnie Holaday, interview by Krute Singa, telephone, 9 June 2003. 

Appalachian Regional Commission 42 Global Competitiveness of 

Selected Industries and Clusters in The Appalachian Region
The Faculty Database is formatted to allow for an easy search of international activities of a particular 

faculty member. The Regional Database lists the Clemson University international activities occurring in 

particular countries and regions. The data is primarily sorted by six major regions of the world: Europe, 

Asia (including Russia), the Middle East and North Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa, the Americas, and 

Oceania. 

The College Database provides information on international activities conducted by a particular college or 

department. The data are primarily sorted by the following colleges or programs: 

• Agriculture, Forestry, and Life Sciences 

• Arts, Architecture, and Humanities 

• Business and Behavioral Science 

• Engineering and Science 

• Health, Education, and Human Development 

• Miscellaneous programs (Graduate School, Asian Studies) 

Clemson differentiates between international programs and projects. International Programs are 

international activities occurring continuously with other faculty members or units at Clemson University. 

These activities exist independent of any particular faculty member. International Projects are individual 

international activities, often of relatively short duration that are dependent on involvement of a particular 

faculty member. 

In addition to the database, the main Clemson University webpage provides an accessible link for 

prospective students to an international page with information on applications, life at Clemson, and other 

background information on the university. 

Appalachian Regional Commission 43 Global Competitiveness of 

Selected Industries and Clusters in The Appalachian Region
2.13.3 Carnegie Mellon, PA 

Size of Institution: 

Undergraduate 5,400, graduate 2800, doctoral 1300 

Location: 

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 

Degrees Offered: 

Bachelors, Masters, and Doctorate 

Type of Institution: 

Private Research University

Size of International Program: 

2300 total international students: undergraduate 580, graduate 1000, doctoral 750, from over 95 countries 

Interviewee:

Trevor Rusert12

Carnegie Mellon is a national research university of about 8,000 students and 3,000 faculty, research and 

administrative staff. The University is committed to providing a global education for its students, 

expanding its international offerings and increasing its presence on a global scale. Increasing diversity, in 

all aspects of university life and fostering the economic development of southwestern Pennsylvania, are 

top priorities. 

Carnegie Mellon is highly ranked in the fields of computer science, engineering, and business. The 

University attracts many international students who pay attention to rankings and are drawn to those 

programs as a result. As international students do not receive any financial aid or scholarships, the 

strength of Carnegie Mellon’s academic programs generates international student enthusiasm. 

Even though Carnegie Mellon attracts many international students by the ranking of its academic 

departments, the University actively recruits foreign students through a number of activities. It purchases 

names through SAT services, recruiting American and international students with scores over 1350. 

Faculty and staff attend recruitment fairs, traveling in the fall throughout countries in Asia and South 

America. In addition, Carnegie Mellon has established several relationships with councilors at foreign 

high schools to inform students about the University’s programs and aid in the recruiting process. 

Prospective and newly admitted international students have the opportunity to participate in online chat 

sessions to be able to communicate instantly with administrative staff, faculty, and U.S. students majoring 

in computer science, engineering, and business. 

Faculty and their academic departments are highly involved in establishing and maintaining international 

programs and also recruiting students, especially for the graduate and doctoral levels. Faculty members 

and administrative staff who are familiar with international education systems form an international 

committee to review international applications. Admission is based on SAT scores, high school 

background, academic records, resumes, and recommendations. 

International students at Carnegie Mellon come from over 95 countries. Singapore is the top international 

feeder, followed by Hong Kong, India, Malaysia, Korea, Canada, and Japan. As recruitment efforts are 

mainly focused on Asian countries, the majority of international students are from Asia. Due to the 

particular circumstances and requirements faced by Asian students, Carnegie Mellon allows deferments 

up to 3 years to counteract visa problems, global issues, and military commitments. 

 12 Trevor Rusert, interview by Krute Singa, telephone, 9 June 2003. 

Appalachian Regional Commission 44 Global Competitiveness of 

Selected Industries and Clusters in The Appalachian Region
2.13.4 Lee University, TN 

Size of Institution: 

Undergraduate 3,400, graduate 230 

Location: 

Cleveland, Tennessee 

Degrees Offered: 

Bachelors and Masters 

Type of Institution: 

Private Christian Liberal Arts University 

Size of International Program: 

160 international students, undergraduate and graduate, from 37 countries 

Interviewee:

Renee Williams, International Admissions Coordinator13 

Lee is the largest church-related institution in Tennessee, and the second largest private school, behind 

Vanderbilt University. Lee University is owned and operated by the Church of God which is 

headquartered in Cleveland, Tennessee. 

Lee engages in limited recruitment activities. The majority of international students apply after learning 

about the University through family members and friends who have or are attending Lee. International 

students are also attracted to Lee’s Christian affiliation. 

 

Lee University’s website is another tool effective in attracting prospective students. The main Lee 

University webpage provides an accessible link for prospective students to an international page with 

information on applications procedures, tuition costs, housing, visa applications, and other background 

information on the university. 

Lee recruits students through fairs and Christian youth rallies. International admissions staff regularly 

travel to the Bahamas, Caribbean, and Canada to attend the youth rallies to inform prospective students 

about the academics and services Lee offers. 

The main countries of origin for foreign students at Lee differ from most higher education institutions in

the U.S. as Lee specifically recruits Christian students. The countries represented in the 2002 to 2003 

academic year ranked as follows: 

1. Bahamas 

2. Korea 

3. Haiti / Japan 

4. Jamaica / Trinidad 

5. Canada 

6. China / Kenya / Nigeria / South Africa 

Lee University is a good example of a small university that is able to maintain an international student 

population from countries like the Bahamas, Haiti, and Kenya. These countries are not generally or 

actively recruited by many institutions as they contain few students who are able to afford education in 

the United States. Lee University also demonstrates that an international program does not have to be 

large or have to recruit from Asian or European countries to be successful. Maintaining a small program

and targeting students from select countries will enrich the campus and local communities as long as the 

international students receive quality education and support. 

 13 Renee Williams, interview by Krute Singa, telephone, 10 June 2003. 

Appalachian Regional Commission 45 Global Competitiveness of 

Selected Industries and Clusters in The Appalachian Region
2.13.5 University of Scranton, PA 

Size of Institution: 

Undergraduate 3,700, graduate 1000 

Location: 

Scranton, Pennsylvania 

Degrees offered: 

Bachelors, Masters, and Associates 

Type of Institution: 

Private Catholic and Jesuit Liberal Arts University 

Size of International Program: 

25 international students, undergraduate and graduate, from 12 countries 

Interviewee:

James Goonan, Director of Graduate Admissions14

The University of Scranton is the oldest and largest university in Northeastern Pennsylvania and is 

committed to serving the region’s professional, political, religious, cultural and business communities. 

Part of this commitment is manifested in Scranton’s international program. In order to expand the 

population of Northeastern Pennsylvania and to enrich the area’s cultural and economic outlook, the 

University has welcomed international students since 1940. 

The international student population at Scranton is small, averaging twenty to twenty-five students per 

year from twelve countries. The main countries of origin are China, India, Taiwan, and Thailand. The 

majority of students are interested pursuing degrees in business administration, software engineering, and 

chemistry. 

 

The international students receive personalized guidance and assistance throughout their stay at Scranton. 

The international program is successful as it considers the needs of potential students, conducting market 

research to learn what is important to foreign students. These needs have to be satisfied to create a 

successful international program that will endure and grow over time. For example, to attract Middle 

Eastern students, Scranton converted a property near campus into a mosque to satisfy the students’ 

demands for a prayer space. The addition of the mosque increased the application rate by Middle Eastern 

students. This example illustrates that not only is it important to understand and listen to foreign student 

needs, it is equally as important to understand their cultures and remain flexible to best create an 

environment comfortable to foreign students. 

Scranton actively recruits international students. Staff members analyze market data provided by the 

Institute of International Education, Open Doors database to determine the leading countries of origin and 

academic programs for international students. They travel internationally, visiting cities to speak to 

government, schools, and students and participate in international education fairs. There is established 

communication with advisors in foreign embassies responsible for educational advising, and with 

international alumni who will meet with and answer questions from prospective students. Scranton also 

utilizes the SAT and GRE databases to disseminate information to interested students. The information is 

available translated into the students’ native languages. 

International students at Scranton mainly come from Asian countries as the University has focused most 

of its recruitment efforts there. Scranton is currently establishing relationships with Latin American 

countries to recruit students. There are a few European students who study at Scranton; the limited 

numbers are mainly due to the fact that Europeans have access to quality education for negligible cost. 

 14 James Goonan, interview by Krute Singa, telephone, 11 June 2003. 

Appalachian Regional Commission 46 Global Competitiveness of 

Selected Industries and Clusters in The Appalachian Region
Being a Jesuit Universities, Scranton has agreements with other Jesuit Universities worldwide to 

exchange students and faculty. 

Developing personal relations with foreign advisors, school officials, and alumni, as well as traveling to 

the same countries every year, are important methods by which to develop an international program.

Building personal relations requires time and dedication, and is a long process, sometimes taking years 

before results show and programs established. However, once some relationships and programs are 

secured, the process becomes easier and new relationships are developed with increased ease. 

The educational export market is facing increased growth and fierce competition. According to Goonan, it

is becoming difficult to compete aggressively with schools from Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the 

United Kingdom. These governments have recognized the rewards from the market and are consequently 

offering financial aid and have created straightforward visa application procedures. The U.S. government 

has not promoted the sector as openly, offering few financial incentives and creating difficult and 

confusing visa procedures for foreign students. Education is the strongest export product that the U.S. can 

currently promote. It brings in billions of dollars in revenue and enhances U.S. community and student 

life. 

Appalachian Regional Commission 47 Global Competitiveness of 

Selected Industries and Clusters in The Appalachian Region
2.13.6 Jefferson State Community College, AL 

Size of Institution: 

8,100 students 

Location: 

Birmingham, Alabama 

Degrees offered: 

Associates 

Type of Institution: 

2 Year Community College 

Size of International Program: 

500 international students, undergraduate and graduate, from 10 countries 

Interviewee:

Alesha Kegler, Office Assistant, International Student Program15

Jefferson State is a two year community college, accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the 

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. The College offers more than 120 University Transfer 

Programs, 40 Career Programs and numerous Certificate Programs. These programs are offered during 

the day, evening, weekends and via the Internet. 

Staff members of the International Student Program do not actively recruit students. The College is listed 

in international school directories but foreign students mainly learn about Jefferson State through their 

family members, friends, and other alumni. Of the 500 students enrolled, over half are from East and 

West Africa, particularly Kenya and Tanzania. Other countries of origin include China, Pakistan, and 

Nepal. Most international students obtain a 2 year degree and then transfer to another college to acquire 

their bachelor’s degree. 

The Jefferson State main webpage has an accessible and noticeable link to the International Student 

Program page that relays information on admission requirements, application procedures, English 

proficiency, forms, costs, and placement testing. 

Jefferson State’s successful international program illustrates the integral role community colleges play in 

the educational exports sector. Judith T. Irwin, Director of International Programs and Services at the 

American Association of Community Colleges, highlights the importance of community colleges in 

educating and training individuals to behave successfully in a multicultural and technologically global 

environment. 

Community colleges constitute the largest segment of higher education in the United States. They include 

nearly 1,200 institutions with an enrollment of 11 million students, 6 million of whom are seeking a 

degree or certificate. Most community colleges provide open access, enabling both U.S. and international 

students to take high-quality courses at low-cost.16 Foreign students are more aggressively seeking a 

degree from two-year institutions, taking advantage of the short-term specialized training, ESL programs, 

and the opportunity to transfer into a four-year college or university.

17

 15 Alesha Kegler, interview by Krute Singa, telephone, 20 June 2003. 16 Irwin, Judith T. Community Colleges: Changing Individuals, Meeting Global Needs. 17 Chase, Audree. Community Colleges’ Role in Recruiting International Students. 1998. 

Appalachian Regional Commission 48 Global Competitiveness of 

Selected Industries and Clusters in The Appalachian Region
There is a common misconception that international students only apply to specific metropolitan areas in 

the United States. However, the enrollment rates at community colleges around the U.S. indicate 

differently. For example, a large number of two-year institutions in Texas, such as Tarrant County Junior 

College in Forth Worth, attract Mexican students but currently enroll more students from Africa, India, 

Sweden, Greece, Canada and the Philippines. As in the case of Jefferson State, Tarrant County estimates 

that most of these students learn about their institution by word-of-mouth advertising, though it does 

advertise in various study abroad magazines.18

As part of its effort to enhance global education, the American Association of Community Colleges 

(AACC) has launched a Community College International Recruitment initiative to assist institutions with 

their international recruiting efforts and to elevate the profile of community colleges in global education 

and exchange. This will be accomplished primarily through a series of international recruitment fairs 

designed solely for two-year institutions. The recruitment fairs will be available on-line as well, thus 

extending their reach to students worldwide at no cost. In addition, AACC is developing both an 

International Student Study Guide to inform international students about American community colleges 

and a Web site to specifically address the questions and interests of international students. Information on 

these community college international recruitment services is available at 

www.aacc.nche.edu /internationalrecruitment.19

The Tidewater Community College presents a good example in their internationalization efforts. The 

College is comprised of four campuses in Virginia, located in the cities of Chesapeake, Norfolk, 

Portsmouth, and Virginia Beach. Its internationalization effort focused on faculty ownership and 

curriculum development. A group of core faculty worked cooperatively to secure state funding to develop 

an international curriculum. The state funds were utilized to send faculty abroad to pursue own 

development and to prepare updated modules of curriculum that would bring students into personal 

contact with events around the world. This process also established relationships with foreign institutions. 

Faculty from all disciplines were encouraged to take advantage of the international opportunities, even 

faculty in fields that are traditionally left out of internationalization efforts, including accounting, math, 

horticulture, and nutrition. The result is awareness throughout the college that all courses have potential 

for including international content and focus.20

The grants and funds secured by the Tidewater Community College for its international education 

program include the following:21

• State Council of Higher Education for Virginia, Funds for Excellence (for faculty/curriculum

development seminars for one-month study with selected experts 

• U.S. Department of Education, Fulbright-Hays Group Projects Abroad (for faculty/curriculum

development seminars for four to six weeks in a country) 

• U.S. Department of Education, Title VI-A for language and international projects 

• U.S. Department of Education, Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education (FIPSE) 

Disseminating Proven Reforms 

 18 Chase, Audree. Community Colleges’ Role in Recruiting International Students. 1998. 

19 Irwin, Judith T. Community Colleges: Changing Individuals, Meeting Global Needs. 20 Global Community College. Tidewater Community College’s Internationalization Effort: Focusing on Faculty 

Ownership and Curriculum Development. 21 Global Community College. Tidewater Community College’s Internationalization Effort: Focusing on Faculty 

Ownership and Curriculum Development. 

Appalachian Regional Commission 49 Global Competitiveness of 

Selected Industries and Clusters in The Appalachian Region
2.13.7 Troy State University, AL 

Size of Institution: 

5,100 students at Troy campus, 25,000 worldwide 

Location: 

Troy, Alabama 

Degrees offered: 

Bachelors and Masters 

Type of Institution: 

Public University

Size of International Program: 

400 international students, undergraduate and graduate, from 50 countries 

Interviewee:

Dr. Susan Aldridge, Vice President22

Troy State University (TSU) is comprised of five geographic regions with approximately 50 branches and 

teaching sites located in five countries and fourteen states. The campus located in Troy, Alabama is the 

main campus. The branches and sites are primarily based on or near military installations and serve 

military and civilian personnel and their dependents stationed on the bases. However, native populations 

are also welcomed to attend the branch schools or any school within the network. Campuses are located in 

the following areas: 

• Atlantic Region: Norfolk Naval Station, Virginia; Washington, D.C. 

• Florida/Western Region: Davis-Monthan AFB, AZ; Ft. Carson, CO; Ft. Lewis, WA;, Ft. Walton 

Beach, FL; Holloman AFB, NM; MacDill AFB, Tampa, FL; Malmstrom AFB, MT; New 

Orleans, LA; Pensacola Naval Air Station, Orlando, FL. 

• Pacific Region: Anderson AFB, Guam; Camp Zama, Japan; Camp Henry, Hikam AFB, Hawaii; 

Kadena, Japan; Misawa AB, Japan; Osan AB, Korea; Fleet Activities Sasebo, Japan; Yokota, 

Japan; Yokosuka, Japan; Yongsan Army Garrison, Korea. 

• Southeast Region: Ft. Benning, GA; Albany, GA; Augusta, GA; Atlanta, GA; Brunswick, GA; 

Ft. Bragg, NC. 

The international branches are located in Hong Kong, India, Malaysia, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Bangkok, Mumbai, and Hanoi, are new locations while campuses and branches in Japan and Korea have 

existed for over ten years. The campuses overseas vary in size, and are sometimes located on campuses of

foreign universities. Troy State is seeking to add more locations while maintaining quality control by 

assessing degree programs, market competition, and demand for campuses. 

Troy State retains a long history in the commitment to internationalization. Most of the international 

students are full time undergraduate and graduate students, some of which receive scholarships. These 

scholarships include the following: 

• International Student Exchange Scholarship: This scholarship, worth $1,000.00 per year is given 

to ten first time undergraduate students for one academic year. It entails a service requirement

including participation in the International Student Cultural Organization (ISCO) annual festival 

and Community Service Projects that involve international awareness. 

• Honor's Student Scholarship: This scholarship is for international undergraduate students who 

have completed 30 semester hours of credit at TSU and have a GPA of 3.0 or higher. It is $2,000 

per year and is applicable as long as the student maintains a 3.0 GPA. 

 22 Dr. Susan Aldridge, interview by Krute Singa, telephone, 27 July 2003. 

Appalachian Regional Commission 50 Global Competitiveness of 

Selected Industries and Clusters in The Appalachian Region
• Graduate Assistantships & Fellowships: Graduate Assistantships up to $9,500.00 per year are 

available through the Major Departments. 

Troy State actively recruits international students. Staff from the Center for International Programs as 

well as faculty and administrative staff travel to foreign universities and attend education fairs. There 

exists a sophisticated network of people familiar with Troy State and many international students learn of 

Troy State through word of mouth. Though the University has campuses in some of the countries targeted 

for recruitment, Troy State encourages prospective students to attend school in the United States. This 

allows international students opportunity to experience life in the U.S., enhance the local culture, and 

promote local economic development. Troy has an easily accessible webpage for international students, 

relaying information on application procedures, costs, tuition, financial aid, English proficiency, and 

admissions criteria. 

Local Economic Development 

TSU is dynamically involved in the development of the local economy through international relations and 

coordination. The University is committed to bringing economic activities to Alabama by encouraging 

partnerships between international and U.S. firms. Troy State only establishes initial contact between the 

firms. It does not assume a managerial role once the partnership has been instituted. For example, if a 

former international student is looking to set up an office in Alabama, the University connects the student 

with banks and the economic development office, to facilitate the process. Troy State is committed to 

determining the right partnerships that will connect international students and foreign companies with 

jobs, the import and export market, key individuals in state and overseas, and U.S. businesses. The right 

partnerships are found through industry research, consulting the Chamber of Commerce, and market 

studies to ascertain the types of businesses located in the area and gain familiarity with small business 

owners. 

Most of the international-U.S. business relationships are facilitated by the College of Business at Troy

State. The Business Departments also maintains programs that train foreign corporate executives in U.S. 

business practices. The executives are brought to Alabama where they meet with top officials and Troy 

State students, and gain familiarity with the economic climate of Alabama. This has proven to be a 

successful program, forming many business alliances. The executives usually attend one class at Troy 

State before returning to their home country. 

Establishing an economic development policy requires time and commitment as it takes many years to 

build relationships. Establishing campuses overseas necessitates up front work, involving talks with the 

education ministry of the country, deciding whether to set up the campus as a joint venture with a local 

institution or as a foreign organization, and discerning how to set up infrastructure necessary to meet 

academic standards without spending taxpayer money. Most importantly, the internationalization requires 

the commitment and support of the top officials of the University. The Chancellor, Board of Trustees, and 

staff and faculty throughout the system endorse the international focus. Dr. Aldridge emphasized that the 

international program could not subsist if top level encouragement did not exist. Internationalization is a 

concept and mindset that must permeate throughout the institution. 

Appalachian Regional Commission 51 Global Competitiveness of 

Selected Industries and Clusters in The Appalachian Region
2.13.8 State University of New York (SUNY) 

Size of Institution: 

403,000 on 64 campuses 

Location: 

New York State 

Degrees offered: 

Bachelors, Masters, and Associates 

Type of Institution: 

Public 

Size of International Program: 

10,000 international students, undergraduate and graduate, from 170 countries 

Interviewees: 

Dr. John Rider 

Lori Thompson, Director for International Partnerships, Office of International Programs23

The State University of New York’s 64 campuses are divided into four categories, based on educational 

mission, the kinds of academic opportunities available, and degrees offered. The State University offers 

students a wide diversity of educational options, short-term vocational/technical courses, certificate 

programs, baccalaureate degrees, graduate degrees, and post-doctoral studies. The University offers 

access to almost every field of academic or professional study within the system offering 6,400 courses of 

study overall. 

Not all of the SUNY campuses have an international program. SUNY Binghamton has the largest 

international student population. The average length of stay for the international students is two to four 

years, depending on the school attended. Approximately half of the SUNY institutions are community

colleges. 

Dr. Rider and Ms. Thompson are the system administrators for international programs campus wide. The 

main Office of International Programs initiates some programs with foreign universities campuses and 

coordinates with the campuses as well as providing overall information and facts about the international 

program. The individual campuses maintain their international programs and admissions. 

Dual Diploma Programs 

One of the recent programs the central Office of International Programs instigated is the Dual Diploma 

International Joint Program between select SUNY campuses and Turkish universities. The program

allows undergraduate Turkish students to study in both the U.S. and Turkey, develop English language 

skills, and earn two undergraduate degrees from both SUNY and a Turkish University. The areas of study

offered are economics, business, and global affairs. The SUNY campuses involved in the program are 

SUNY Binghamton, SUNY New Paltz, and SUNY Maritime College, while in Turkey, there are five 

universities involved. Turkish students pay tuition at home university and pay SUNY out of state tuition 

fees though they are eligible for financial aid from SUNY. The program was initiated in fall of 2003 in 

Turkey and the students will attend one of the three SUNY campuses in winter or spring 2004. For now, 

the program is available only for Turkish students but it may be opened to U.S. students as well, 

especially Turkish American students, once the program is more firmly established. The program is only

for matriculating students. 

 23 Dr. John Rider and Lori Thompson, joint interview by Krute Singa, telephone, 25 July 2003

Appalachian Regional Commission 52 Global Competitiveness of 

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The development and establishment of the program required two years. The program was first promoted 

in 2000 when SUNY submitted and was awarded the New York State Linkages Grant for $125,000 to be 

utilized only for the travel expenses generated for the development of the program. The grant allowed 

SUNY officials to travel to Turkey for conferences and negotiations to decide on the subject areas and 

program details. A nine-member advisory committee was also established, involving the University

Chancellor, Vice Chancellor of International Programs, Provosts at the three SUNY campuses, and 

directors for international programs from the campuses. On the Turkish side, the President for the Higher 

Educational Council and vice presidents from the universities participated. The establishment of the dual 

degree program was successfully facilitated as the Turkish university system is organized under a central 

office that coordinates all universities. Therefore, SUNY negotiated only with the central office to set up 

the program with the five universities. To aid in recruitment for the program, two Turkish agents were 

hired to provide information and application assistance. 

As a result of the efforts placed in this program, other joint research projects have developed: 

• Turkey will be sending funded PhD students to develop research in the U.S.; 

• Istanbul Technical University is negotiating with SUNY Buffalo to establish a joint program in

earthquake research; and 

• A Dual Diploma program with Russia. Currently, there is a faculty and student exchange program

between SUNY and Moscow State University. Preliminary talks have occurred for a dual diploma 

program as well. However, difficulties in organization have been encountered as there is no 

central education office in Russia with which SUNY can coordinate as there was in Turkey. 

SUNY Campus Best Practices 

Though the central office is responsible for infusing the international commitment throughout the SUNY 

campuses, they are not responsible for institutionalizing international programs at the campus level. Many

of the campuses have high commitment to internationalization through innovative programs for 

international students and involvement in local economic development through coordination with foreign 

businesses. Examples of two campuses involved in such activities are SUNY Fredonia and SUNY 

Buffalo. 

SUNY Fredonia 

Size of Institution: 

Undergraduate 4,900, graduates 400 

Location: 

Fredonia, New York 

Degrees offered: 

Bachelors and Masters 

Type of Institution: 

Public University

Size of International Program: 

40 international students, undergraduate and graduate, from 15 - 20 countries 

Interviewee:

Dr. Richard Goodman, Director of International Programs

24

 24 Dr. Richard Goodman, interview by Krute Singa, telephone, 30 July 2003. 

Appalachian Regional Commission 53 Global Competitiveness of 

Selected Industries and Clusters in The Appalachian Region
The State University of New York at Fredonia is located in a rural region, halfway between New York 

City and Chicago. It offers a wide variety of majors in the arts, humanities, and the natural and social 

sciences, as well as professional programs in many areas. SUNY Fredonia is known for its business and 

music schools as well as speech therapy certificate programs. 

SUNY Fredonia is a relatively small school, averaging 5,000 students total, undergraduate and graduate. 

Its international student population is proportionate to the size of the institution, averaging 40 students per 

year. Most students pursue a bachelor’s degree, though the international graduate student population is 

increasing. SUNY Fredonia’s location is appealing to many foreign students as the rural area provides a 

safe and friendly environment. 

While the majority of international students are from Japan, there is a diversity of countries represented at 

SUNY Fredonia. The countries of origin include: 

• Bahamas 

• Canada 

• France 

• Germany

• Ghana 

• Haiti 

• Hong Kong 

• Japan 

• Pakistan 

• Russia 

• South Korea 

• Switzerland 

• Turkey

Recruitment and Admission Criteria 

Though SUNY Fredonia actively recruits students by sending faculty and staff to foreign countries to 

attend international education fairs, its reputation and international connections through alumni and 

business partners are primarily the reason why the international program continues to be successful. For 

example, Fredonia has established numerous business partnerships in Japan and other countries in Asia. 

These business partners send their children and family members to study at Fredonia. The University does 

not print brochures or advertise its international program due to the costs, though it is listed through

SUNY in an international school directory. The Internet is also a valuable tool for prospective students, 

and Fredonia maintains an accessible link to its International Education Center webpage from the main 

University page, communicating information on applications, life on campus, support services, 

immigration application and information, and visa application procedure. 

International students are admitted based on the following criteria: 

• Test of English as a Foreign Language exam (TOEFL) score 

• Past academic performance in high school or college 

• Ability of students to meet financial requirements 

Financial Aid and Exchange Programs 

Fredonia does not offer financial aid to international students, though a small number of scholarships are 

available. Foreign students are required to pay the out of state tuition fee. In an effort to make education 

at SUNY Fredonia more financially accessible, several exchange agreements have been or in the process 

Appalachian Regional Commission 54 Global Competitiveness of 

Selected Industries and Clusters in The Appalachian Region
of being developed. The agreements are primarily with countries that are economically underdeveloped or 

have government subsidized education. The exchanges will allow international students and U.S. students 

to study for one semester or year at SUNY Fredonia and the partnering foreign institution respectively.

The program is a joint venture, designed to ensure that both international and U.S. students receive the 

best possible education and care. 

Developing the exchange programs required time and commitment. Communication is essential in the 

negotiating process. SUNY Fredonia initiated contact by visiting foreign institutions and exchanging 

information about academic programs. Fredonia faculty were enlisted in evaluating the academic

programs offered by the foreign institutions. Fredonia will only partner with foreign universities of which 

it has personal knowledge and interaction with university officials. It is important to understand and be 

familiar with all universities on a firsthand basis. Several exchange programs have been established 

following these criteria, including one with an American University in Bulgaria, which started 8 years 

ago, and another with Aichi University of Education in Japan, a national university subsidized by the 

government. 

Dr. Goodman emphasized that exchange programs require patience and time. Relationships evolve 

naturally and slowly, but once a few have been established, setting up additional programs will become 

easier. As Fredonia’s reputation in international education has become recognized, foreign universities 

have also approached Fredonia to create exchange partnerships. 

Economics 

SUNY Fredonia has an Office of International Programs. The “programs” aspect is important as it 

indicates that the office not only is concerned with education, but also other factors associated with 

internationalization, including economic activity. Fredonia is personally involved with the economic 

vitality of local region, working with local businesses and industry leaders to expand their operations 

abroad, and acting as a liaison between local community and foreign markets. 

SUNY Fredonia’s economic assistance has proven successful; several local companies have conducted 

business with foreign companies. Dr. Goodman, Director of the Office of International Programs, 

maintains close contact with local community, continually striving to convince local businesses to think 

internationally. He and his staff have given numerous free presentations and seminars for the local 

business community. These seminars inform the community of the business opportunities available 

abroad, proper business conduct and custom according to country, and who to contact at the University to

receive assistance in initiating international business relationships. Universities are well respected in both 

domestic and foreign business communities and local companies who are linked to universities have more 

credibility.

Throughout his thirty-three year tenure at the Office of International Programs, Dr. Goodman has 

developed and maintained partnerships with business leaders throughout the world, especially in Japan. 

As his international focus is Japan, he has traveled there extensively, meeting with education officials as

well as business executives. Once he has established partnerships, he makes it a point to meet with the 

officials and executives every time he travels to Japan. This way, Dr. Goodman maintains the connection 

and also demonstrates an understanding of Japanese business culture which places great importance on 

communication and personal interaction. He has also maintained contact with alumni from Hong Kong

who have provided business connections, contacts and opportunities. One student who studied at SUNY 

Fredonia in 1970 is a finance director of the Hong Kong Airport and generously established a fund for the 

School of Business to promote international business. Business relationships were established with Hong 

Kong before the island was economically successful. Relationships with economically developing 

countries are important as they will be helpful in the future. One relationship leads to another, expanding 

the number of opportunities, if these relationships are properly maintained. 

Appalachian Regional Commission 55 Global Competitiveness of 

Selected Industries and Clusters in The Appalachian Region
As Fredonia is a rural area, the food professing industry is the strongest sector and has the highest 

potential to be involved in the international market. In the 1980’s, it was not common for local businesses 

to be involved in international markets. To promote internationalization, the Office of International 

Programs coordinated with U.S. and foreign government agencies to facilitate three international trade 

fairs, taking local businesses to: 

1. The International Wine Trade Show in Japan, 

2. The Seoul American Food Fair in Korea for agricultural meetings, and 

3. Furniture trade shows in various locations in Asia. 

As a result of the International Wine Trade Show in Japan, local wineries export locally produced wine to 

Japan. This relationship has further been enhanced as the Japanese wine importers have sent their children 

to study at SUNY Fredonia. 

The trade fairs are one example of the activities that SUNY Fredonia has coordinated with local and 

international businesses. Other activities include a High Tech Mission with Japan. Japanese business 

professionals were invited to meet local businesses, resulting in strong partnerships with Japan that 

continually produces more contacts and relationships. These partnerships not only enhance the business 

community, but the University as well. 

SUNY Fredonia and Dr. Goodman’s commitment to economic development is an example of how 

Appalachian institutions, many of which are similar in size and location to SUNY Fredonia can become

involved in international programs. Dr. Goodman has helped create a remarkable program that has lead to 

international investment and local business partnerships with foreign firms in a region that is mainly rural. 

He has assessed the market strengths of the region and relayed the information to businesses abroad. His 

commitment to keeping in touch with alumni is also providing good business opportunities. His belief 

that each relationship is real and personal has brought and continues to generate rewarding results. 

How to Establish International Economic Linkages to the Local Community

To become involved in local and international market alliances requires commitment to community

outreach. Institutions contain most of the resources required to establish international relationships and 

foster local economic development. Resources that can be tapped include the following: 

• cataloguing the foreign experiences and backgrounds of faculty and staff, 

• assigning one person or office to act as outreach officer and talk to local and international 

businesses, 

• enlisting the help of the Business School, and 

• inventorying the resources available at the institution. 

Along with gathering the available resources, there has to be a change in the institution’s mindset. 

International student programs at institutions can do more than just process students. The role of the 

international program can be expanded to encompass a variety of international activities to create an 

atmosphere of cultural diversity on and off campus, including catalyzing contact with local businesses, 

launching informational seminars on what types of international opportunities exist for the local business 

community, and teaching intercultural communication to establish understanding of different business 

practices. Institutions have the resources and the ability to connect people from various backgrounds 

economically, politically, and culturally.

If institutions are not able to undertake the level of commitment to local economic development as SUNY 

Fredonia, there are still many activities they can engage in to assist their local region in globalizing. 

Institutions have enough resources to convey helpful economic information. It is useful to inventory these 

Appalachian Regional Commission 56 Global Competitiveness of 

Selected Industries and Clusters in The Appalachian Region
resources so that when local businesses do enlist an institution’s aid, they can be guided to the most 

appropriate resource and contact. 

SUNY Fredonia and its local community has benefited from the international programs. Students and the 

community have been culturally enriched and have become increasingly educated about foreign cultures. 

Local business has been stimulated through international student spending and alliances formed with 

foreign businesses. The University strongly believes that its role, especially since it is a state funded 

institution, is to assist the local community and its students achieve global awareness while maintaining 

ties to the region and values. 

SUNY Buffalo 

Size of Institution: 

Undergraduate 17,290, graduate and professional 8,600 

Location: 

Buffalo, New York 

Degrees offered: 

Bachelors, Masters, Doctoral, Professional 

Type of Institution: 

Public University

Size of International Program: 

3,700 international students, undergraduate and graduate 

Interviewee:

Dr. Stephen Dunnett, Vice Provost for International Education25

SUNY Buffalo is the largest of the SUNY campuses. It is a member of the Association of American 

Universities, and is among the nation's top research-intensive public universities. The University offers 

strong medical, engineering, and computer science research and educational opportunities, and has a 

university wide commitment to public service and outreach to both local and global communities. SUNY 

Buffalo is primarily a graduate campus though it is attracting an increasing number of undergraduate 

students. 

The international student program averages 3,700 students per year, with two-thirds pursuing a graduate 

degree. Most students are matriculating, though there are approximately 100-150 students on one year 

exchange programs. Of the international students, 65 percent are from Asian countries. Latin American 

and African students tend not to apply to New York State or Appalachia as they are unable to afford the 

education. European student enrollments are declining as the European higher education institutions are 

of high quality and there is little value added to study at a U.S. institution. Therefore, Asian students 

comprise the majority of the international student population as they have the financial means and are 

high quality students. In 2003, the top 11 countries of origin for international graduate students were: 

 25 Dr. Stephen Dunnett, interview by Krute Singa, telephone, 8 August 2003. 

Appalachian Regional Commission 57 Global Competitiveness of 

Selected Industries and Clusters in The Appalachian Region
1. India 

2. China 

3. Korea 

4. Taiwan 

5. Canada 

6. Japan 

7. Singapore 

8. Malaysia 

9. Romania 

10. Germany

11. Turkey

The top 10 countries of origin for international undergraduate students are: 

1. Korea 

2. Malaysia 

3. India 

4. Japan 

5. China 

6. Taiwan 

7. Canada 

8. Indonesia 

9. Pakistan 

10. Singapore 

SUNY Buffalo offers some financial assistance to international students, the bulk of the aid going to 

graduate students for research assistantships or teaching assistantships. Fifteen to 20 percent of graduate 

students are supported by assistantships which give a stipend and waive tuition fees. Other graduate 

students study on fellowships or tuition scholarship programs, such as the Fulbright. There is some

financial aid for undergraduate students as well. Approximately forty merit scholarships and a few tuition 

scholarships are handed out to students from countries the University is trying to attract. It is important to 

have a scholarship program to attract international students as the cost of education in the United States is 

too expensive for students of developing countries to afford. As building economic, political and cultural 

relationships with developing countries will be beneficial to the U.S. in the future, it is important to 

establish these relationships through hosting the students from these countries. 

Recruitment

SUNY Buffalo actively recruits students through college fairs and recruitment fairs. However, most of the 

international students learn about the University through alumni and through their home universities for 

research opportunities. The Internet has also proven a useful tool and the SUNY Buffalo website provides 

an accessible link to an international student page from the main page. 

The University also contracts with Linden Educational Services, a non-profit company that arranges 

overseas recruitment fairs and trips. Linden Educational Services assists regionally accredited U.S. 

universities in their efforts to recruit, enroll, and serve international students. Linden staff members are 

professionals in international education, experienced overseas travelers and active members of NAFSA: 

Association of International Educators. The Linden Tours travel to Asia, Latin America and the Middle 

East to provide opportunities for admissions officials to meet international students who are interested in 

studying in the United States. The Linden webpage offers valuable information for international students 

about the U.S. education system, types of degrees offered, definitions of community college, college, and 

university, and testing requirements. Their website is found at www.lindentours.com. 

SUNY Buffalo has established numerous exchange relationships with institutions all around the world. 

Most of these exchanges were built with the assistance and foreign experience of faculty and staff. The 

relationships are based on a commonality of interest; the foreign university should be a good fit in terms 

of academics, atmosphere, and dedication. The exchanges that have been established resulted from a 

variety of demands, including: 

• Academic interests. For example, researchers in the earthquake engineering department wanted 

links and research exchange partnerships to be set up with other centers around the world. 

• Cultural interests. The exchange program with the Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda in

India resulted from the desire of Indian American students to learn more about their culture and 

Appalachian Regional Commission 58 Global Competitiveness of 

Selected Industries and Clusters in The Appalachian Region
have the opportunity to study abroad to learn about their heritage. To comply with their request, 

SUNY Buffalo solicited suggestions from the Indian community of Buffalo and also researched 

websites of higher education institutions in India. The University’s criteria for picking the 

potential exchange institution were based on 1) whether the institution’s goals and standards fit 

with that of SUNY Buffalo, 2) a location near an international point of entry but not in a large 

city, and 3) a strong humanities and social science program. After extensive research, the 

University selected the Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda (MSUB), initiating negotiations 

by sending a delegation. MSUB also benefited from the exchange through the medical 

educational options available at SUNY Buffalo. Currently, the SUNY-Baroda program is 

growing. Those in medicine and sciences at SUNY Buffalo go to Baroda to study abroad, 

signifying a growing appreciation for Indian education. 

• Staff interests. Many staff members at SUNY Buffalo are immigrants who provided links and 

contacts to their home country and institutions to set up exchange programs. 

• Faculty interests. For example, faculty from Romania established exchange programs with 

institutions in Poland and Romania. 

Once exchange programs are established, the contacts and ties that result between the foreign institutions 

and SUNY Buffalo are extended to the community to aid in the building of business partnerships. Over 

time, the relationships that form between faculty, cities, and students on the exchange lead to economic 

development. 

Goals of SUNY Buffalo’s International Program 

The main goals of having an international student program for SUNY Buffalo are the cultural, financial, 

and economic benefits gained through interaction with foreign students, institutions, and businesses. 

Cultural 

Having an international presence globalizes the mindset and environment not only of the university, but 

the surrounding communities as well. Presently, U.S. students are not globally minded. Many do not even 

learn a second language. The goal of the international program at SUNY Buffalo is therefore to improve 

the global competitiveness of graduates and to instill an understanding of the rest of the world’s 

geography, language, and culture. The program seeks to break down barriers between cultures. 

The program is an educational tool for U.S. students as well as foreign students. The more foreigners who 

come to the U.S. take an appreciation of U.S. customs and products back to their home countries. They

become U.S. allies and supporters of U.S. goods and services, and connect with the U.S. when they would 

like to engage in business opportunities. With each foreign student who embraces the U.S. lifestyle, the 

U.S. gains an ally and friend. 

Financial 

The financial gains of hosting an international student population are substantial and apparent. The SUNY 

Buffalo out-of-state tuition fee is $10,000 per year while in-state tuition is $4,000 per year. Foreign 

students pay the out-of-state tuition and the $6,000 differential is entirely kept by the University. As the 

University attracts approximately 4,000 students per year, each paying $10,000, it generates $40 million, 

nearly half of which stays on campus. This amount does not count incidentals and recreational spending 

by the international students that benefits the economies of the surrounding communities. When counting 

incidentals, nearly $60 million flows into Western New York from international students. 

Appalachian Regional Commission 59 Global Competitiveness of 

Selected Industries and Clusters in The Appalachian Region
Economic 

With the relationships established through the international program, SUNY has and continues to promote

and assist in improving the global competitiveness of businesses in New York State. The problem that 

SUNY Buffalo is faced with is the reluctance of local companies to compete globally as there is little 

knowledge of foreign markets and companies. 

The University has engaged in numerous activities to help local businesses participate in the global 

market, including: 

• Providing consultation services and training in language, culture, and geography, as well as 

foreign market risk analysis. 

• Receiving and sending trade delegations to foreign countries. 

• Fostering partnerships between local and foreign companies. The Business and Management 

Departments at SUNY Buffalo helps connect U.S. business people with foreign companies, 

sometimes enlisting foreign alumni to receive the U.S. professionals in their home country. 

• Supplying educated labor. International students bring linguistic and specialized skills and have 

strong work ethics. Additionally, the University produces students skilled in science and 

technology, management, computer science, and engineering who are recruited not only by U.S. 

forms, but by foreign businesses as well.

• Coordinating between local and state governments and foreign governments. 

Overall, the goal of the University is to break down misconceptions of foreign people and cultures 

through its extensive educational, outreach, recruitment and economic development efforts. As Dr. 

Dunnett states, the U.S. is becoming increasingly globalized in all aspects including culture, politics, and 

economics. It is therefore crucial for U.S. students to be exposed to international ideas and customs to 

develop an understanding of the world and to be able to compete effectively on a global scale. 

Appalachian Regional Commission 60 Global Competitiveness of 

Selected Industries and Clusters in The Appalachian Region
2.14 Recommendations for Developing an International Program 

A comprehensively internationalized campus can foster an invaluable learning environment and 

effectively provide global experiences for both U.S. and foreign students.26 Institutions should promote 

diversity and cultural learning. Even if the institution is not diverse, it can be successful in convincing its 

students to understand other lifestyles and in broadening mindsets.27

It is important to remember that not all international students want to study in a large metropolitan area in 

the United States. Small towns provide a sense of community and provide a way for foreigners to see a 

U.S. lifestyle that is not normally encountered in a big city. As their view is already distorted by 

American sitcoms and political climate, small towns can improve an international student’s perspective to 

understand that there is more to the U.S. than fast cars and a big economy. These students then take back 

a positive image of the U.S..28

To establish an international program or to enhance an existing program, it is recommended to engage in 

the following: 

• Establish clear commitment to internationalization and publicize this commitment so that 

international students feel safe in applying. 

• Clearly articulate the goals of the international program.

29 

• Imbed internationalization in the co-curriculum, through international events, festivals, 

lectures, and films.30 International students should be encouraged to contribute to the 

internationalization by giving presentations on their culture and countries. 

• Form an international project team, led by a senior administrator to institute the international 

program.

31

• Enlist support and involvement from top officials in the institution, including the president and 

chief academic officers. Time commitment and interest from leadership is essential.32

• Obtain faculty buy-in by:

33

 providing opportunities for faculty to travel and teach in foreign universities and conduct 

research abroad. 

 funding faculty international development 

• Enlist the assistance of academic departments with recruiting and establishing international 

programs.34

 26 Connell, Christopher. Internationalizing the Campus: Profiles of Success at Colleges and Universities. (2003), 11. 27 Connell, Christopher. Internationalizing the Campus: Profiles of Success at Colleges and Universities. (2003), 22. 28 Connell, Christopher. Internationalizing the Campus: Profiles of Success at Colleges and Universities. (2003), 32. 29 Engberg, David and Green, Madeleine F. Promising Practices: Spotlighting Excellence in Comprehensive 

Internationalization. (2002), 16. 30 Engberg, David and Green, Madeleine F. Promising Practices: Spotlighting Excellence in Comprehensive 

Internationalization. (2002), 16. 31 Engberg, David and Green, Madeleine F. Promising Practices: Spotlighting Excellence in Comprehensive 

Internationalization. (2002), 16. 32 Engberg, David and Green, Madeleine F. Promising Practices: Spotlighting Excellence in Comprehensive 

Internationalization. (2002), 11. 33 Engberg, David and Green, Madeleine F. Promising Practices: Spotlighting Excellence in Comprehensive 

Internationalization. (2002), 13. 34 Engberg, David and Green, Madeleine F. Promising Practices: Spotlighting Excellence in Comprehensive 

Internationalization. (2002), 14. 

Appalachian Regional Commission 61 Global Competitiveness of 

Selected Industries and Clusters in The Appalachian Region
• Provide a venue for interaction between international and U.S. students. For example, 

Kapi’olani Community College in Hawaii has an International Café that provides a comfortable 

venue for international and UC student to congregate and learn from one another. Students give

presentations about their culture and history at the café.35

• Take special measures to ensure that international students are integrated in the campus.36 

• Show personal attention to prospective students by answering emails and questions. Keep 

communication open throughout the application process and once the student is admitted and 

attending.37

• Provide support services for international students 

• Acquire funding through: 

 Federal and state grants38

 Private fund raising39

 Partnerships with business40

 Funding sources: grants are given by the National Endowment for the Humanities, U.S. 

Department of Education’s Title VI funding for international education programs, the 

Freeman Foundation which supports Asian studies on U.S. campuses, among many

others. Grants can be used to pay for faculty exchanges, enrichment programs, visiting 

scholars, and library acquisitions to purchase more international books and journals.41

• Offer financial aid incentives to attract more diverse students and provide an easy mechanism to 

find out about these opportunities.42 There exist a number of ways international students can 

acquire financial aid: 

 Private loans to foreign students and families, particularly loans that permit co-signers 

from abroad. 

 Private funding: For example, Citi-Assist International Loans and Citi-Assist 

International Loans are both offered by Citibank. These loans have been operating 

successfully for years and only require that the student be enrolled at a participating 

school. 

 Institution and private cooperative loans. For example, the Duke MBA Opportunity Loan 

allows international students attending the Fuqua School of Business at Duke University 

in North Carolina, to borrow up to $30,000 per academic year with a 5 percent 

disbursement fee and interest rate of prime plus 2 percent. The partnership is a good 

example of the type of cooperation between institutions and the business community, in 

this case, Duke’s business school, SLM Corporation, and HEMAR Insurance 

Corporation. 

 35 Engberg, David and Green, Madeleine F. Promising Practices: Spotlighting Excellence in Comprehensive 

Internationalization. (2002), 15. 36 Engberg, David and Green, Madeleine F. Promising Practices: Spotlighting Excellence in Comprehensive 

Internationalization. (2002), 17. 

37 Connell, Christopher. Internationalizing the Campus: Profiles of Success at Colleges and Universities. (2003), 22. 38 Engberg, David and Green, Madeleine F. Promising Practices: Spotlighting Excellence in Comprehensive 

Internationalization. (2002). 39 Engberg, David and Green, Madeleine F. Promising Practices: Spotlighting Excellence in Comprehensive 

Internationalization. (2002). 40 Engberg, David and Green, Madeleine F. Promising Practices: Spotlighting Excellence in Comprehensive 

Internationalization. (2002). 41 Connell, Christopher. Internationalizing the Campus: Profiles of Success at Colleges and Universities. (2003), 7. 42 NAFSA Association of International Educators. In America’s Interest: Welcoming International Students: Report 

of the Strategic Task Force on International Student Access. (2003), 20.

Appalachian Regional Commission 62 Global Competitiveness of 

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 Tuition scholarships. The University of Oregon system offers out of state tuition 

remission to internationals if in return they provide services to the campus and local 

community including provision of translation services for local businesses and talks and 

presentations at local elementary schools about their countries and cultures.43

 Publicly funded scholarship programs should be directed at countries or regions where 

they would serve a strong U.S. foreign policy interest. Areas including Africa where 

citizens are not able to afford a U.S. education and the country’s economic development 

is important to U.S. interests.44

• Design an accessible, user friendly, and understandable international admissions webpage located 

on the main webpage of the institution. International students usually look for the “prospective 

students” link on the main page. At a minimum, international students should be provided clear 

and easy access to:45

 School description with costs and housing information 

 International undergraduate and graduate admissions 

 Proportion of international students at that university and class profiles 

 Quotes from international students 

 Requirements and documents that apply to international students 

 Current information on visa with new SEVIS regulations. 

2.15 Recruitment strategies 

• Establish relationships with overseas education agents and brokers, American schools and 

other institutions abroad.46

• Host or attend higher education fairs abroad.

47

• Use alumni to provide information about programs and application materials.48

• Recruit students in new and emerging markets where economies are growing (such as South

Africa).49

• Promote community colleges. Over the past few years, the number of international students 

attending community colleges has grown by 9 percent compared with a 2 percent decrease in the 

number of international students attending four year institutions. Community colleges can be a 

solution to the problem of decreasing numbers of internationals coming to the United States.50

 43 NAFSA Association of International Educators. In America’s Interest: Welcoming International Students: Report 

of the Strategic Task Force on International Student Access. (2003), 21. 44 NAFSA Association of International Educators. In America’s Interest: Welcoming International Students: Report 

of the Strategic Task Force on International Student Access. (2003), 21. 45 Education USA. How to Create an Internationally Friendly Website. 46 Wolanin, Thomas R. Strategies for Increasing the Enrollments of International Students in U.S. Postsecondary 

Education. (2000). 47 Wolanin, Thomas R. Strategies for Increasing the Enrollments of International Students in U.S. Postsecondary 

Education. (2000). 48 Wolanin, Thomas R. Strategies for Increasing the Enrollments of International Students in U.S. Postsecondary 

Education. (2000). 49 United States Information Agency and Educational Testing Service. U.S. Leadership in International Education:

The Lost Edge. (1998). 50 United States Information Agency and Educational Testing Service. U.S. Leadership in International Education:

The Lost Edge. (1998).

Appalachian Regional Commission 63 Global Competitiveness of 

Selected Industries and Clusters in The Appalachian Region
Interests of students, universities and colleges would benefit by the creation of a more coordinated, 

disciplined, and focused marketing of U.S. higher education. It could be a self-sustaining entity or 

managed by the Appalachian Regional Commission and would provide products and services including

marketing, management, training, and information on the higher education institutions in the Appalachian 

region. The entity can be funded by the member institutions, Federal and state governments, and 

businesses.51

 51 United States Information Agency and Educational Testing Service. U.S. Leadership in International Education:

The Lost Edge. (1998).

Appalachian Regional Commission 64 Global Competitiveness of 

Selected Industries and Clusters in The Appalachian Region
CHAPTER 3: EXPORT MARKET ANALYSIS 

The following sections provide discussions on the international markets that have the best growth 

potential for Appalachian products. In particular, the discussions focus on six select industries that we 

identified to have growth potential in the ARC region. These manufacturing sectors based in the ARC 

region have competitive advantages in trade, and ample opportunities to flourish in the region through 

exporting their products to the global marketplace. 

The six industries are: 

• Automobile parts 

• Household furniture 

 Wooden household furniture

 Upholstered household furniture 

• Machinery 

 Packaging machinery

 Food processing machinery

• Microelectronics 

Global market locations targeted for the six industries are very diverse. Markets include NAFTA 

economies (Canada and Mexico), Latin American countries (Argentina and Brazil), to Asian markets 

(Japan, Korea, China, Thailand and Taiwan), European economies such as Germany and Sweden, and 

eastern bloc countries like Poland, Hungary, Slovakia and Russia. The six industry sectors face a variety

of issues and barriers competing in the assorted selection of global market opportunities. Table 3-1 

presents a distribution of Appalachian exports by industry and destination.

Table 3-1. Foreign Markets 

Motor Food Upholstered Wooden

Vehicle Processing Packaging Electronic Household Household

Destination Parts Machinery Machinery Components Furniture Furniture

frica 0.6% 2.3% 1.4% 0.8% 0.9% 1.3%

sia 11.1% 20.8% 12.5% 30.2% 18.0% 28.4%

ustralia 1.2% 3.2% 3.9% 1.2% 0.9% 0.5%

anada 65.6% 20.6% 26.1% 25.6% 48.9% 42.6%

entral America 0.2% 3.3% 3.1% 1.4% 3.4% 7.0%

urope 10.3% 32.1% 38.1% 25.7% 22.3% 15.3%

ico 9.5% 8.5% 9.3% 9.9% 3.4% 3.0%

outh America 1.5% 9.3% 5.6% 5.1% 2.2% 1.8%

Appalachian Exports by Industry and Destination

(Percent of Appalachian Industry Exports)

A

A

A

C

C

E

Mex

S

Sources: ITA, MISER, U.S. DOC through IMPLAN. Calculations by JFA. 

Appalachian Regional Commission 65 Global Competitiveness of 

Selected Industries and Clusters in The Appalachian Region
3.1 Automobile Parts 

The automotive industry is the largest manufacturing industry in the United States. No other single 

industry is linked to as much of U.S. manufacturing or generates as much retail business and employment. 

The automotive parts industry serves two market segments—the original equipment market (OEM) for 

parts that get used directly in the production of vehicles, and the replacement/repair parts for after-market 

consumption. This industry group is classified as NAICS 3363.52 The U.S. businesses in this industry 

group include producers of stampings, carburetors, pistons, rings, valves, lighting, batteries, electrical 

equipment and other motor vehicle parts. The U.S. automotive parts industry has shipped over $200

billion in 2000, of which an estimated total of $38 billion (18%) was exported. 

The industry group has seen a decline (-5.5%) in employment between 1997 and 2001. However, its total 

value of shipment rose slightly from 1997 to 2001 by +5 percent (see Table 3-2). 

Table 3-2. Motor Vehicle Parts Manufacturing (NAICS 3363) Sector 

Year Employees Total Value of 

Shipment ($1,000) 

2001 736,003 186,838,614

2000 802,575 204,336,085

1999 799,174 202,797,009

1998 789,564 184,476,031

1997 779,913 178,511,569

Source: U.S. Department of Commerce: Bureau of the Census. 

Automobile parts exports increased from 1997 to 2001. Although the value of exports has declined in 

recent years, a longer term trend reflects upward tendencies in automobile parts exports (see Table 3-3). 

Table 3-3. Trade Data for Motor Vehicle Parts Manufacturing (NAICS 3363) 

Year 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001

Value of Exports 

(US $ millions) 36,230 36,716 39,280 42,288 39,076 

Years 1997-98 1998-99 1999-2000 2000-2001 1997-2001

Change in Value 1.3% 7.0% 7.7% -7.6% 7.9%

Source: U.S. Department of Commerce: Bureau of the Census; International Trade Administration (ITA) and Jack

Faucett Associates (JFA). 

For Appalachian exporters of automotive parts, NAFTA economies (Canada and Mexico) present the 

largest export market, accounting for nearly 80 percent of all U.S. exports of automotive parts in 2002. 

The fastest growing market, in terms of the world region, is in Eastern Europe (Czech Republic, Hungary, 

Poland and Russia), with nearly 38 percent increase in U.S. exports from 2001 to 2002. However, the 

total export value to this market is a meager $95 million in 2002.53

Because the growth of the U.S. automotive parts industry is mainly affected by U.S. motor vehicle 

manufacturers’ continued demand for improved quality and lower costs, future growth for U.S. 

 52 NAICS – North American Industry Classification System 53 U.S. Census Bureau

Appalachian Regional Commission 66 Global Competitiveness of 

Selected Industries and Clusters in The Appalachian Region
automotive parts suppliers will continue to be technology-dependent. The U.S. market continues to 

demand more products meeting stringent environmental regulations, safety features, and fuel efficiency. 

The U.S. automotive parts industry increasingly supplies lightweight body materials, mechanical 

components, and safety parts. Such technology driven products can command better value-added returns 

in the global marketplace. 

There are a number of free trade agreements (FTA), some multilateral and others bilateral, that affect U.S. 

and Appalachia’s exports of automotive parts. For example, the U.S.-Central America Free Trade 

Agreement offers the potential for improved export and investment opportunities for the U.S. automotive 

industry. In 2002, the Central American economies purchased $133 million in U.S. auto parts. While the 

market currently has a limited size and purchasing power, the FTA can have the potential benefits in the 

long run. The CACM member nations signed a free trade agreement with the Dominican Republic in 

1998 and are currently negotiating a free trade agreement with South American economies 

(MERCOSUR). Other economies with free trade agreements with CACM members are Chile, Mexico, 

Venezuela and Columbia. 

Another set of free trade agreements is known as the Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA). While it 

may provide a framework under which the U.S. automotive parts industry can better integrate its 

operations in the Western hemisphere, the multiplicity of existing and other FTAs being negotiated 

prevent clear assessment of outcomes for U.S. exporting opportunities. FTAA covers Northern, Central 

and Southern Americas from Canada to Argentina. There are FTAs like NAFTA, CACM, Andean Pact, 

U.S.-Chile FTA and MERCORSUR. Currently, there are negotiations taking place concerning

MERCORSUR-EU, Mexico-EU FTA, MERCOSUR-Andean Pact, Mexico-Brazil auto agreement and 

Mexico-MERCOSUR FTA. FTAA may evolve to eliminate tariffs and other trade barriers for U.S. auto 

parts suppliers to all Americas in the long run. Exhibit 3-1 presents the distribution of Appalachia’s motor 

vehicle parts exports by state. 

Exhibit 3-1: Appalachian Motor Vehicle Parts Exports (State Share of Appalachian Exports) 

0%

5%

10%

15%

20%

25%

Alababama

Georgia

Kentucky

Maryland

Mississippi

New York

Sources: ITA, MISER, U.S. DOC through IMPLAN. Calculations by JFA. 

N

P

S

orth Carolina

Ohio

ennsylvania

outh Carolina

Tennessee

Virginia

West Virginia

Appalachian Regional Commission 67 Global Competitiveness of 

Selected Industries and Clusters in The Appalachian Region
Competing in the global marketplace, the U.S. has three major competitors, Japan, Germany and France, 

as major exporters of automotive parts in the world. They command 12.8 percent, 12.8 percent, and 7.7 

percent of the total global exports of auto parts respectively. The U.S. accounts for 19.6 percent of the 

total exports in the world market of automotive parts.54 For Appalachian exporters of automotive parts, 

NAFTA countries (Canada and Mexico), established Western European markets (Germany and Sweden), 

Asia/Pacific (Korea), and the Latin American (Argentina) markets offer good prospects for future growth. 

These markets provide either a large enough market size and/or disproportionately larger shares of U.S.-

made goods in their import markets. 

 3.1.1 NAFTA: Canada 

The Canadian automotive parts market is estimated to be $45 to 50 billion in size. Over 80 percent of the 

market is served by foreign imports, and much of the imports originate from the U.S. The U.S. continues 

to be Canada’s principal supplier of automotive parts, accounting for over 86 percent of the total market. 

Currently, Appalachia’s manufacturers and suppliers of automotive parts to Canada are in the best 

possible position to take advantage of the Canadian market. While there are other foreign competitors 

(Japanese and European automotive parts manufacturers) completing against U.S. firms in Canada, the 

U.S. parts and aftermarket products dominate much of the Canadian market. The U.S. market position 

will remain unchanged for some time, and will continue to provide good exporting opportunities for 

suppliers located in the Appalachian region. 

Exporting to Canada from the U.S. is very straight-forward. There are virtually no trade barriers or 

impediments concerning automotive parts, components and aftermarket accessories. The U.S.-Canada 

Free Trade Agreement (FTA) went into effect in 1989. As a result, virtually all tariffs on U.S products 

entering Canada have been eliminated. NAFTA went into effect in 1994, removing some of the few 

remaining barriers. While some non-tariff barriers remain, trading of automobile parts between U.S. and 

Canada faces very few obstacles. 

3.1.2 NAFTA: Mexico 

The automotive industry is one of the largest and fastest growing manufacturing sectors in Mexico.55

Auto parts and aftermarket supplies industry also represent a significant portion of the manufacturing 

sector in Mexico, and has been growing rapidly. The total market in Mexico for automotive parts and 

supplies is valued at more than $150 billion in 2002, with imports accounting for about 30 percent of the 

total market (see Table 3-4). The market for automotive parts in Mexico grew by 14.1 percent in 2001, 

and one estimate for the market growth rate in 2002 is put at 12.2 percent. One of the factors fueling an 

expanding automotive parts market in Mexico is the aging of existing vehicles. Local production of auto

parts increased by 13.8 percent from 2001 to 2002, while imports increased by 8.7 percent during the 

same period. 

Competing in the Mexican auto parts market are German and Japanese suppliers. In 2001, the U.S. had a 

market share of 66 percent. Germany had a market share of 7.4 percent while Japan had a market share of 

6.1 percent. The U.S. market share may decline when the newly completed Mexico-European Union free 

trade agreement comes into effect, liberalizing trade in automobiles and components. 

 54 U.S. Automotive Parts Industry/Market Assessment, Office of Automotive Affairs, Transportation and

Machinery, International Trade Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce, May 2003 55 U.S. & Foreign Commercial Service and U.S. Department of State, 2003

Appalachian Regional Commission 68 Global Competitiveness of 

Selected Industries and Clusters in The Appalachian Region
Table 3-4. Mexican Auto Parts Market (UD $ billions) 

2000 2001 2002

Total Market 115.3 134.3 152.9

Local Production 87.5 101.5 117.7

Imports 35.6 42.0 46.0

Exports 7.8 9.2 10.8

Imports from U.S. 23.4 27.6 32.5

Source: U.S. Department of Commerce: Bureau of the Census; International Trade Administration (ITA) and Jack

Faucett Associates (JFA). 

For the Appalachia based suppliers, there are currently no major import barriers to auto parts market in 

Mexico because of NAFTA. This agreement removed all previous trade barriers and duties for several 

products improved from the U.S. including auto parts. The U.S. suppliers have been enjoying competitive 

advantage over European and Asian competitors. However, the newly completed free trade agreement 

between Mexico and the EU may increase a level of competition between American suppliers and 

European ones in near future. 

3.1.3 Germany

Most major German auto makers tend to outsource high technology components and parts. This trend of 

outsourcing high-tech components can deliver German auto makers cost savings in a competitive global 

market. At the same time, such trend presents business opportunities for Appalachia’s OEM suppliers of 

high-tech automotive parts. Increased investments by German firms such as those made by BMW in 

South Carolina and DaimlerChrysler in Alabama also provide further marketing opportunities for 

Appalachian parts manufacturers to German auto makers, and facilitate export opportunities of U.S. parts 

to Germany.

Coupled with this favorable trend, German market for imported automotive parts and components is 

expected to grow at a moderate pace and the U.S. is expected to maintain its market share. Table 3-5 

below shows market size data for auto parts in Germany.

Table 3-5. Market Size Data for Automobile Parts and Accessories (US $ millions) 

1999 2000 2001 2002-2004

Growth % 

Import Market 11,286 10,769 9,860 0-5%

Local Production 38,020 37,076 41,860

Exports 5,854 5,846 16,744

Total Market 43,452 41,999 34,976 0-5%

Imports from U.S. 1,680 1,784 1,711 0-5%

Source: U.S. Department of Commerce: Bureau of the Census; International Trade Administration 

(ITA) and Jack Faucett Associates (JFA). 

German automobile manufacturers are reputed for the quality and durability of their products. Their 

investment in research and development is relatively high. According to one estimate, German auto 

makers account for nearly 30 percent of all research and development investments that take place in 

Germany. In part due to a very competitive global auto market, and in part due to a high research and 

development cost, German manufacturers have been seeking lower production costs. 

Appalachian Regional Commission 69 Global Competitiveness of 

Selected Industries and Clusters in The Appalachian Region
By importing and outsourcing specialized components from abroad, they have achieved this goal. 

American parts have earned a good reputation among German buyers over the years. As shown in Table 

3-5 above, the German imports market for auto parts is small. However, there is an upside opportunity for 

U.S. exporters. There is a slight increase in imports from the U.S. between 1999 and 2001, and a gradual 

growth in this sector is expected. 

Main competitors in the German auto parts import market are the U.S., U.K., France, Japan, Belgium,

Austria and Italy. Amongst the competitors, the U.S. accounts for most of the import market share—17 

percent. U.K. is estimated to hold roughly ten percent of German import market share. Japan also controls 

about 10 percent of the import market. 

There are no major trade barriers preventing Appalachian firms from entering the German market. This is 

due to EU-U.S. FTA. Customs duties for automotive parts and accessories into Germany are about five 

percent. 

3.1.4 Sweden 

Sweden is a good marketplace for high-end, technically sophisticated automotive parts and aftermarket 

accessories. Automotive components related to ‘safety’ or ‘environment’ aspects of vehicles have higher 

prospects in the Swedish import market. In addition, parts and products related to the Swedish climate 

such as engine heaters, roof rack systems for transporting cargo and skis face positive outlook in both 

OEM and aftermarket auto parts market. 

In 2000, the total imports of automotive parts into Sweden were estimated to be over $2.6 billion. The 

import market in Sweden is expected to grow at an annual average rate of 5 percent between 2001 and

2003. During the same period, the total amount of imports of auto parts from the U.S. to Sweden is 

expected to grow by 5 percent as well. The Swedish auto parts imports market presents positive growth 

potential for U.S. and Appalachia based suppliers. Suppliers that provide brake systems, steering systems, 

gearboxes, transmissions and body parts have great exports prospects in the Swedish market. 

Competing in Sweden, U.S. suppliers hold a relatively minor market position compared to their German 

counterparts. German suppliers are the by far the largest group that sell automotive parts to Sweden, with 

a market share of 33 percent among imported automotive parts, components, accessories and other 

supplies. Other European countries like the U.K. and Belgium have a strong foothold in the Swedish 

automotive import market. 

While not a dominant player in Sweden by the absolute measure, U.S.-made automotive parts are very

competitive and successful. It is estimated that U.S. imports of auto parts and components account for 

about 5.4 percent of the Swedish imports market. However, the figure does not include U.S.-made parts 

that enter Sweden via other non-Swedish European ports. If these items were counted, U.S. imports of 

auto parts and supplies may amount to 7 or 8 percent of all auto parts imports in Sweden. 

Exporting to Sweden faces no impediments as there are no barriers. Customs duties are relative low at 3 

to 4.5 percent for most automotive parts and supplies. There is a value added tax of 25 percent on all such 

products regardless of origin—thus locally made parts do not gain much advantage over any foreign 

products using domestic tax structures. 

Appalachian Regional Commission 70 Global Competitiveness of 

Selected Industries and Clusters in The Appalachian Region
3.1.5 Korea 

While the Korean economy has yet to completely rebound from the 1997 financial crisis, there are signs 

of growth in the economy in recent years. In 2000, it is estimated that Korea’s automotive parts and 

accessories market grew by 11 percent over 1999, and had a total value over $17 billion. In the same year, 

the Korean automotive parts and accessories market imported over $1.2 billion. It is projected that 

between 2002 and 2004, the overall market size will increase at an annual average rate of 5 percent. As 

the overall market demand increases, it is also anticipated that imports will increase faster than domestic 

supplies. 

Imports of automotive parts and accessories account for 6-7 percent of the total market demand because 

most of the OEM and aftermarket demand is met locally by Korean and joint-international venture firms. 

Major international partners that participate in the joint ventures include Delphi (U.S.), Bosch (Germany), 

Valeo (France), and Visteon (U.S.). Over the years, international firms have been increasing their 

operations and investment in the Korean market. The number and sizes of the Korean auto parts suppliers 

tend to be smaller than what is observed in the global automotive market. Whereas Korea now has only

two major automobile manufacturers, both in the top 20 assemblers in the world, Korea does not have a 

parts supplier that is in the world’s top 50. There are many smaller suppliers ranging from 500 to 600. 

This number is expected to dwindle to 200 to 300 in near future, according to industry experts. It is 

expected that the import market will grow slightly. 

Currently, direct imports of automotive parts and accessories into Korea are primarily supplied by Japan, 

the U.S. and Germany. In 2000, Japanese suppliers filled nearly 50 percent of the total imports while the 

U.S. accounted for about 21 percent of total imports, valued at $253 million. German firms accounted for 

11 percent of total imports in the same year. There are opportunities for U.S. and Appalachian suppliers to 

gain more of the import market share in coming years. Table 3-6 displays market size data for auto parts 

and accessories in Korea. 

Table 3-6. Market Size Data for Automobile Parts and Accessories (OEM and Aftermarket) 

 (US $ millions) 

1999 2000 2001

(projected) 

2002-2003 

(projected) 

Import Market 950 1,206 1,200 9%

Local Production 16,546 18,100 18,000 5%

Exports 1,679 1,746 1,800 7%

Total Market 15,817 17,560 17,400 5%

Imports from U.S. 208 253 252 10%

Source: U.S. Department of Commerce: Bureau of the Census; International Trade Administration 

(ITA) and Jack Faucett Associates (JFA). 

While, a great majority of the total auto parts and accessories market is supplied by either domestic 

manufacturers or joint-venture companies, the Korean market for auto parts still requires foreign imports 

for several core components and parts, such as automatic transmissions, electronic engine parts, and 

airbags. Korean suppliers are not as competitive in the more technologically advanced segments of 

automotive parts, and continue to depend on foreign imports to provide solutions with newer technology. 

After Japan, the U.S. is the second largest foreign supplier to Korea. Japan’s solid market position is in 

part due to its geographic and cultural proximity. Also, many Korean auto makers have had technology 

transfers from Japan for decades, resulting in Japan’s dominant market share in automotive parts imports. 

The U.S. and European competitors must compete under less favorable circumstances in terms of prices, 

technical services, and transportation costs. There is a tariff rate set at 8 percent of the CIF (cost, 

Appalachian Regional Commission 71 Global Competitiveness of 

Selected Industries and Clusters in The Appalachian Region
insurance and freight) value when importing automotive parts and accessories into Korea. However, 

circumstances may be improving for U.S. suppliers as more favorable views on foreign automobiles 

gradually take a hold among the general public in Korea. In addition, a recent acquisition of the bankrupt 

Daewoo Motor Company by GM (in October 2002), and revival of Daewoo automobile production in 

Korea under a new management (GM Daewoo) would introduce more U.S.-made parts to Korean 

automotive industry sector. 

Although there are good prospects in Korea for U.S. suppliers of automotive parts and components, there 

are barriers to exports. Exporting to Korea is encumbered by the lack of transparency in rule making in 

the regulatory system which is one of the principal problems cited by exporters. It is alleged that Korean 

officials exercise certain discretion in applying laws that are drafted using broad language, resulting in

inconsistency in application and uncertainty among businesses. Such vague laws or regulations may be 

reinterpreted and then applied differently depending on business cases at different times. These 

transparency-related problems affect market entry in automotive sectors. 

Furthermore, Korean markets still hold an anti-import bias that affects auto sectors in particular. While 

there are no evident campaigns against imports currently, the legacy of anti-import activities dating back 

decades tends to negatively impact the market entry momentum of some U.S. suppliers. Korean 

government agencies are mending such bias by equipping several official fleets with imported 

automobiles in recent years. As attitudes towards imported automobiles improve, there will be more

favorable views on imported automobile parts and components. 

3.2 Household Furniture (Wood and upholstered) 

U.S. household furniture industry is classified as NAICS code 337. Under this broad classification, 

upholstered household furniture manufacturing and non-upholstered wood household furniture 

manufacturing sub-sectors are classified as NAICS 337121 and 337122, respectively. They produce 

household furniture and related articles as classifications titles indicate. Combined, this industry group 

has shipped nearly $20 billion worth of merchandise in 2001. During the same year, the industry group 

had over 210,000 workers. 

The sector has experienced slightly increasing shipment volumes and employment in recent years, but the 

overall trend is fairly flat. Upholstered household furniture manufacturing (NAICS 337121) sector had its 

value of shipment increase by over 13 percent between 1997 and 2001. During the same period, the value 

of non-upholstered wood household furniture manufacturing shipments rose by 5 percent. While the total 

value of industry output has risen in recent years, employment has not kept up with the increase in output 

(see Tables 3-7 and 3-8). 

Table 3-7. Upholstered Household Furniture Manufacturing (NAICS 337121) Sector 

Year Employees Total Value of Shipment ($1,000) 

2001 88,025 9,318,252

2000 94,248 9,608,430

1999 94,010 9,601,031

1998 92,426 8,971,462

1997 89,215 8,232,635

Appalachian Regional Commission 72 Global Competitiveness of 

Selected Industries and Clusters in The Appalachian Region
Table 3-8. Non-upholstered Wood Household Furniture Manufacturing (NAICS 337122) Sector 

Year Employees Total Value of Shipment ($1,000) 

2001 122,774 11,860,891

2000 133,884 12,990,611

1999 134,169 12,995,810

1998 132,404 12,372,652

1997 127,703 11,318,807

Source (for both tables): Annual Survey of Manufacturers, Industry Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau, Dec. 20, 2002.

The furniture industry in the U.S. has been losing domestic market share to imports for the past two 

decades despite being amidst a very robust housing market. In the upholstered furniture sector, U.S. 

exports exceed imports. In the wood household (non-upholstered) furniture sector, however, the U.S. has 

been losing most of the furniture market share to the imports in recent years. During the 1990s, the U.S. 

trade imbalance for the wooden household furniture sector increased by 400 percent from -$1.9 billion in 

1990 to -$7.3 billion in 2000.56 The data suggests that the U.S. household furniture industry has been 

experiencing increasing competition in the global marketplace. 

Internationalization of distribution and production in the global economy has affected the furniture 

industry as well. Open markets have allowed furniture trade to move ahead at a very fast pace. The trade 

of furniture has grown much more rapidly than furniture consumption. Currently, the largest import 

markets for furniture are the U.S., Germany, France, U.K., and Japan. For the U.S. furniture

manufacturers, NAFTA (Canada & Mexico) area, Germany, Korea, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab 

Emirates represent leading export markets. Respectively, Exhibits 3-2 and 3-3 present the distribution of 

Appalachia’s upholstered and wooden household furniture exports by state. 

 56 “Competitiveness of U.S. Wood Furniture Manufacturers – Lessons learned from the softwood moulding

industry.” Forest Products Journal, Vol. 51., No. 7/8 (July/August 2001)

Appalachian Regional Commission 73 Global Competitiveness of 

Selected Industries and Clusters in The Appalachian Region
Exhibit 3-2: Appalachian Upholstered Household Furniture (State Share of Appalachian Exports) 

0%

5%

10%

15%

20%

25%

Alababama

Georgia

Kentucky

Maryland

Mississippi

New York

North Carolina

Ohio

Pennsylvania

South Carolina

Tennessee

Virginia

West Virginia

Exhibit 3-3: Appalachian Wooden Household Furniture (State Share of Appalachian Exports) 

0%

5%

10%

15%

20%

25%

30%

35%

40%

45%

Alababama

Georgia

Kentucky

Maryland

Mississippi

New York

North Carolina

Ohio

Pennsylvania

South Carolina

Tennessee

Virginia

West Virginia

Sources for both: ITA, MISER, U.S. DOC through IMPLAN. Calculations by JFA. 

Appalachian Regional Commission 74 Global Competitiveness of 

Selected Industries and Clusters in The Appalachian Region
3.2.1 Asia/Pacific: Korea 

In 2002, Korea was the 6th largest export market for the U.S. The nation's retail industry has helped the 

recovery of the domestic economy since the currency crisis in 1997, exhibiting rapid growth in 1999 and 

2000. In fact, the market size of the domestic retail market, in terms of sales, has continued to grow at an 

average annual growth rate of about 8 percent since 1999, and reached 115 trillion in 2001, or 24 percent 

of the nation's GDP. According to the Korean National Statistical Office, in 2002, consumer confidence 

reached its highest level since November 1998. Average household income has risen considerably, and 

the average monthly spending for urban salaried workers’ households on goods and services is increasing. 

Such trends in increased consumer spending on furniture is reflected in increased export of household and 

upholstered furniture from the U.S. to Korea in 2002 as shown in Table 3-9. 

Table 3-9. U.S. Export: Household and Upholstered Furniture (FAS Value. US $1,000) 

1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 % change 01-02

Korea 14,286 16,003 2,129 5,910 9,933 7,001 19,047 172.0%

Note: F.A.S. represents the value of shipments via freight, air and ships including freight charges, insurance and

other costs. 

Source: U.S. Department of Commerce: Bureau of the Census; International Trade Administration (ITA). 

Korea’s average tariff rate was 8.9 percent in 2001 and Korea will reduce tariffs to zero on most of all 

products in the furniture sector by 2004. Although there are good prospects in Korea for U.S. suppliers of 

household furniture, there are barriers to exports. 

3.2.2 NAFTA: Canada 

The Canadian furniture market, especially the household wooden and upholstered furniture sectors, has 

undergone renewed growth in the last several years in part due to a strong housing market, a robust 

demand for home renovation, and stronger consumer confidence. Market demand for household furniture 

in Canada is largely a function of the rate of household formation, housing construction starts and income

growth. The housing sector has remained relatively healthy despite recent economic downturns. 

Canada’s total furniture market is estimated to be about $4 billion, and this market is projected to grow at 

an average annual rate of 10 percent over the next several years. The Canadian household furniture sector 

accounts for 35-40 percent of the total furniture market. Approximately 45 percent of this market is 

attributed to wooden furniture, and 30 percent to upholstered furniture. 

U.S. exports of furniture products to Canada take a predominant position in Canada’s import market. 

Over 70 percent of all furniture imported into Canada originates from the U.S. While imports from China, 

Italy, Taiwan, Malaysia and Mexico also compete with the U.S.-made household furniture products in 

Canada, their combined import market share adds to less than one third of that of the U.S. furniture 

suppliers. This success of U.S. furniture suppliers over others can be attributed to geographic proximity, 

common design, similar quality demand, tariff-free entry, and familiar distribution channels. 

3.2.3 NAFTA: Mexico 

The size of the Mexican household furniture market is valued to be well over $500 million. The Mexican 

wooden furniture market alone is estimated to be over $400 million. From 1996 to 2002, the total value of 

U.S. exports of household wooden furniture and upholstered furniture products increased from $60 

million to $84 million (an increase of 40 percent in six years). 

Appalachian Regional Commission 75 Global Competitiveness of 

Selected Industries and Clusters in The Appalachian Region
The major trading partners in this sector are the U.S., Spain, Italy, China, Canada and Taiwan. American 

suppliers hold a dominant market share of nearly 70 to 75 percent in the Mexican furniture import market, 

and the others hold relatively smaller market shares. 

For Appalachia based suppliers, there are no major import barriers to the household furniture market in 

Mexico as part of NAFTA. NAFTA removed all previous trade barriers and duties for several products 

imported from the U.S. including household furniture products. American manufacturers face duty free 

imports, while imports from other countries into the Mexican market face an average of 25 percent import 

duties. In addition, American suppliers enjoy geographical proximity and a good reputation built over 

many years of competing in Mexico. While others must compete in the marketplace with higher tariffs, 

they must also incur greater transportation costs. However, it is anticipated that American suppliers will 

begin to face more competition from European counterparts. There is a recently signed Mexico-European 

Community Free Trade Agreement, under which tariffs on European wooden furniture fell from 25 

percent to zero starting in 2003. 

3.2.4 Middle East: Saudi Arabia 

The Saudi market is the largest furniture market in the Middle East, and is relatively protected. It is 

estimated to be about $600 million of which 60 percent is for household furniture. The Saudi furniture 

market is mainly served by imported products. Seventy percent of furniture sold is imported while 30 

percent of market demand is met by domestic production. However, this ratio is gradually shifting as 

Saudis domestic production share is increasing. The whole market is expected to grow at an annual rate of 

7 to 8 percent for the coming 3 or 4 years. The U.S. market share is one of the largest amongst the foreign 

competitors. 

The main suppliers for the Saudi furniture market include Italy, Asian producers, France, Spain and the 

U.S. Italy holds the largest share in the market with about 22 percent. The Far East suppliers hold about 7

percent. France has a 6 percent share and Spain about 5 percent. American suppliers have about 16 

percent. While Italy holds the largest market share, its position has been declining. The U.S. exports of 

furniture to Saudi Arabia have been rising at a very rapid rate, taking away some of the Italian share of 

the market. From 1999 to 2001, the Saudi household furniture market experienced increases in imports 

from U.S. suppliers at an annual average rate of 10 percent. Demand for American furniture is high 

among affluent and middle class Saudis. It is especially high among the population segments that have 

spent time in the U.S. Wooden furniture is very popular, and American or Canadian wood products are in 

high demand. 

Exporting to Saudi Arabia is not without barriers. The Saudi market is not fully open. There is a 5 percent 

custom duty levied on all imports of furniture. In addition to facing tariff barriers, U.S. suppliers must 

overcome non-tariff, and otherwise technical obstacles. While there are no standards in effect on imported 

furniture, religious concerns prohibit any likeness or replica of human and animal forms on furniture 

products. Imported goods are inspected to ensure no carvings or engravings displaying such figures. 

3.2.5 Middle East: United Arab Emirates (UAE) 

Although the United Arab Emirates (UAE) furniture market is relatively small compared to that of Saudi 

Arabia, the UAE furniture market has grown at a very remarkable pace in recent years. It has experienced 

a double-digit rate of annual growth since 1999. According to one estimate, the market size will grow at a 

rate of 10 to 12 percent over the next several years. In 1999, the UAE furniture market was estimated to 

be about $255 million. 

Appalachian Regional Commission 76 Global Competitiveness of 

Selected Industries and Clusters in The Appalachian Region
Construction and tourism are two sectors of the UAE economy that have in part fueled demand for 

household furniture. Imported household furniture meets roughly 80 percent of the total market demand 

household furniture. Meeting this demand, Italian suppliers have secured a strong foothold in the 

imported furniture marketplace with a market share of 28 percent. U.S. suppliers are second with 11 

percent of the imported furniture market in the UAE. Demand for American-style wooden furniture is the 

driving force behind increased growth in exports from the U.S. Such wooden furniture accounts for over 

80 percent of all furniture exported to the UAE from the U.S. Overwhelming segments (over 80%) of the 

UAE population have been to the U.S. for vacation, business or education. As a result, the vast majority

of the UAE population is very familiar with American-style wooden household furniture. In addition, a 

substantial population segment of expatriates living in the UAE proves to be a good market segment for 

U.S. suppliers. The value of the U.S. export share is expected to grow by an average of 18 percent 

annually for several years as there are strong preferences for American wooden furniture. 

Exporting to the UAE is a fairly straight-forward process. Unlike other Middle Eastern markets, there are 

no significant trade barriers to the importation and sale of household furniture in the UAE. Customs 

duties are 4 percent. 

3.3 Machinery (Packaging and Food Processing) 

U.S. packaging machinery and food processing machinery industry sub-sectors are classified in NAICS 

code 333993 and 333294, respectively. They produce very specialized machines and tools such as 

packaging equipment and processing equipment for food, dairy, beverage and related sanitary processes. 

This industry shipped nearly $4.8 billion worth of merchandise in 2001. During the same year, the 

industry had over 1,500 establishments employing about 45,000 workers. 

The sector has experienced declining shipment volumes and employment in recent years. The total value 

of packaging machinery manufacturing (NAICS 333993) shipments decreased by over 13 percent 

between 1997 and 2001. During the same period, the value of food products machinery (NAICS 333294) 

shipments shrunk by 5 percent (see Tables 3-10 and 3-11). 

Table 3-10. Packaging Machinery Manufacturing (NAICS 333993) Sector 

Year Employees Total Value of Shipment 

($1,000) 

2001 27,923 4,229,635

2000 29,259 4,615,645

1999 31,000 4,689,757

1998 32,385 4,928,283

1997 32,109 4,900,477

Appalachian Regional Commission 77 Global Competitiveness of 

Selected Industries and Clusters in The Appalachian Region
Table 3-11. Food Product Machinery Manufacturing (NAICS 333294) Sector 

Year Employees Total Value of Shipment 

($1,000) 

2001 17,733 2,707,791

2000 18,376 2,860,402

1999 19,102 2,899,710

1998 19,054 2,906,838

1997 18,898 2,857,928

Source (for both tables): Annual Survey of Manufacturers, Industry Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau, Dec. 20, 2002.

Between 1997 and 2001, U.S. exports of packaging and food processing machinery have fallen by 20 

percent, while imports of such industrial equipment swelled by over 30 percent during the same period.57

Such trends are also noticeable in the industry data collected for 2001. The industry, in 2001, faced 

growing U.S. domestic market demand, while experiencing a decline in both exports and shipments to the 

domestic market. Some imports would satisfy the unmet demand in the marketplace. 

The total exports of packaging and food processing machinery, as a percent of total U.S. shipments, have 

been declining in recent years. In 2001, exports accounted for 15.5 percent of total shipments, down from

17.1 percent in 2000, 17.8 percent in 1999, and 21 percent in 1997.58

Although this industry has been experiencing reduced value of total shipments in recent years, the long 

term trend continues to mirror the growing global demand. For thirty years, “the estimated value of world 

trade in processed foods has increased by an average annual rate of more than 10 percent.” In addition, 

over 2/3 of agricultural products traded in the international market is in processed food and beverages. 

More markets face increasing demand for processed food and beverages as developing countries 

experience economic and cultural changes stemming from industrialization, urbanization and rising 

wealth. It is expected that worldwide demand for processed foods will continue to increase in the future.59

In the global marketplace, the following countries are leading markets for U.S. exports of food processing 

and packaging machinery: Canada; Mexico; China; Thailand; Poland; Argentina; and Brazil. 

Considerations were given to total value exported to these markets as well as growth rates, economic 

forecasts, trade barriers and other factors.60

In addition to these markets, Japan, the EU, Australia and other locations present opportunities for 

exporting packaging and food processing equipment. The following section will discuss potential 

markets, opportunities and possible barriers of trade in terms of region, country, market size, type of 

barriers and export outlook: Exhibits 3-4 and 3-5 present the distribution of Appalachia’s food processing 

machinery and packaging machinery exports by state respectively.

 57 Office of Machinery, International Trade Administration (ITA), U.S. Department of Commerce (webpage updated

10/2002) 58 PMMI Eighth Annual Shipments & Outlook Study (2003)

59 Office of Machinery, ITA, U.S. Department of Commerce 60 ditto

Appalachian Regional Commission 78 Global Competitiveness of 

Selected Industries and Clusters in The Appalachian Region
Exhibit 3-4: Appalachian Food Processing Machinery Exports (State Share of 

 Appalachian Exports) 

0%

5%

10%

15%

20%

25%

30%

Alababama

Georgia

KentuckyMaryland

Mississippi

New York

North Carolina

Ohio

Pennsylvania

South Carolina

Tennessee

Virginia

West Virginia

Exhibit 3-5: Appalachian Packaging Machinery Exports (State Share of Appalachian Exports) 

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

Alababama

Georgia

Kentucky

Maryland

Mississippi

New York

North Carolina

Ohio

Pennsylvania

South Carolina

Tennessee

Virginia

West Virginia

Sources for both: ITA, MISER, U.S. DOC through IMPLAN. Calculations by JFA.

Appalachian Regional Commission 79 Global Competitiveness of 

Selected Industries and Clusters in The Appalachian Region
3.3.1 Asia/Pacific: China 

China is one of the world’s fastest growing markets despite recent downturns in the global economy.

Rapid development and success among the Chinese are increasingly altering traditional diet and eating 

preferences. As China modernizes, people have less time to prepare food in traditional ways. With less 

time to make traditional meals and a growing appetite for western-style packaged food items, there is 

rising demand for processed, packaged food products. Currently, China only processes about 25 percent 

of its total food output. In comparison, the U.S. and other developed economies have over 90 percent of 

their food processed and packaged. 

China’s growing market for handling, processing and packaging food products calls for investing in more 

equipment to meet the demand. In a way, the rush for food processing and packaging equipment has 

already begun. According to the U.S. Department of State Commercial Service, China’s market has seen 

tremendous expansion, and there is much more growth potential. A total of $18.1 billion worth of food 

processing and packaging equipment entered China in 1998. In 1994, China imported such equipment 

valued at only $800 million. An increase of over 126 percent from 1994 to 1998 offers an indication of 

fast growing demand for processed, packaged food products in China. Chinese domestic output of the 

food processing and packaging industry has picked up, and is expected to increase at a rate of 13 to 14 

percent per year. In addition, there is a growing need to upgrade existing equipment for the industry.

U.S. exports to China face a very competitive market. Mainly, equipment originating from Japan, the EU 

(primarily Germany) and Taiwan dominate China’s imports market for food processing and packaging 

machinery. Japanese equipment exports to China currently account for about 27 percent of the total 

imports. European, particularly German, machinery manufacturers have a strong presence in China. 

Germany controls nearly 22 percent of the imported food processing machinery market. The Taiwanese 

control about 16 percent of the imports market, while U.S. exporters have a market share of about six 

percent. 

While opportunities exist, barriers to China’s food processing and packaging equipment market for many

U.S. and Appalachian firms are numerous. High tariffs constitute an effective import barrier. Under the 

WTO bilateral agreement, China’s industrial tariffs will fall from an overall average of about 17 percent 

to an average of 9.4 percent. While import tariffs are falling after China’s accession to the WTO, there are 

still other institutionalized non-tariff barriers. Chinese import quotas are largely non-transparent. Import 

licensing and other administrative control systems add more obstacles in penetrating China’s lucrative 

imports market for food processing and packaging equipment. 

Other non-institutional barriers may be overcome by many U.S. companies by investing in understanding 

the needs and culture of Chinese end-users. According to some Chinese industry sources, Americans’ lack 

of familiarity with Chinese culture and customs weakens their market competitiveness whereas Japanese 

and German exporters cater to China’s needs with higher satisfaction rates. 

3.3.2 Asia/Pacific: Thailand 

Thailand is another growing market that may bring positive opportunities for the U.S. manufacturers of 

food processing and packaging machinery. Increases in investment, export demand, and domestic sales of 

processed foods have been translated to a rising demand for food processing and packaging equipment. 

Thai food companies have been investing in equipment and materials to meet local and international 

demand for packaged food products. Trade sources estimate a double-digit growth rate for the market for 

food packaging equipment over the next few years. Equipment used in filling, closing, sealing, and 

labeling of bottles, cans, boxes, bags and other containers used in packing food items are expected to 

present ample opportunities for foreign equipment in the next several years. There are ongoing talks 

Appalachian Regional Commission 80 Global Competitiveness of 

Selected Industries and Clusters in The Appalachian Region
between Thailand and the U.S. concerning a bilateral free trade agreement. This agreement stands to 

affect automotive, textile and agricultural products that Thailand exports to the U.S. While the current 

pursuit of an agreement between the two economies may impact foreign multinational corporations 

involved in automotive and clothing industries, many Thai food processing and other packaging 

businesses may draw benefits from a future bilateral agreement between the two economies. Increasing 

activities in the packaging and food processing industry will in turn create demand for additional 

equipment, much of which comes from foreign, including American, suppliers. 

The market for packaging and processing machinery in Thailand is a competitive one. There is little 

competition from Thai domestic packaging equipment manufacturers. The Thai food processing and 

packaging industry imports much of its equipment from Japan, Germany and Italy. In 1999, Japanese 

suppliers had a market share of 21 percent, followed by Germany 14.5 percent, and Italy 13.6 percent. 

The U.S. had a market share of 12.7 percent in 1999. 

Many foreign suppliers face similar competition as Thailand promotes an open market and free economy.

There are no restrictions or technical standards imposed by the Thai government. Food processing and 

packaging equipment faces no import tariffs. While the marketplace is level, food regulations and 

standards that govern Thai food exporters in the international export markets tend to benefit U.S. 

suppliers of food processing and packaging equipment. One barrier some of the U.S. exporters face is that 

of the non-tariff/non-institutional kind. U.S. suppliers generally provide larger scaled, high-technology

packaging and processing equipment and much of the Thai food industry cannot utilize larger U.S. 

machines. Small and medium businesses in the Thai food industry either cannot afford hefty investments 

or find larger scale equipment unsuitable. While many American machines used in packaging and food 

processing command a good reputation for quality and advanced technology, scale and cost of products 

often range outside what local food processors can afford. Provision of smaller, versatile and more

scalable products may erode this obstacle. 

3.3.3 NAFTA: Canada 

In the NAFTA area, Canada presents a large marketplace that is an open-market economy that is close in 

terms of both geography and culture. One sub-sector in the Canadian food processing and packaging 

equipment segment is the meat processing equipment industry. Canada’s meat processing sector expends 

more than $5.5 billion a year on materials and supplies. Of the spending on supplies and materials for the 

meat processing sector, meat processing equipment accounts for nearly $40 million a year, and the 

industry is expected to increase spending on the machinery at an annual average growth rate of 4-5 

percent for next several years. Growth outlook on this sector is optimistic. 

In 1999, U.S. companies had an import market share of 50 percent in Canada. This large market share has 

been relatively unchanged since the late 1980s. In the Canadian market, main competitors include the 

Netherlands with 16 percent of the import market share, Germany with 14 percent, Italy with 6.5 percent, 

and Switzerland with four percent. 

The dominant market position held by U.S. manufacturers is well secured according to trade experts. 

Similarities in eating habits, packaging requirements, and technical codes and standards between the U.S. 

and Canada promote a favorable competitive environment for American exporters. Further, there are no 

significant trade barriers or restrictive practices impeding U.S.-Canada trade. Following provisions under 

NAFTA, Canadians importing U.S. food processing and packaging equipment face no import duties. 

Appalachian Regional Commission 81 Global Competitiveness of 

Selected Industries and Clusters in The Appalachian Region
3.3.4 NAFTA: Mexico 

The Mexican market for processed foods has been expanding at a rapid rate since 1995. Given the 

mounting market demand, Mexico’s food processing industry has been growing as well in order to keep 

pace. Mexico’s total market for food processing and packaging equipment, including parts, was over $3 

billion in 2000, and there are over 13,000 registered food-processing firms in the country. The Mexican 

market is expected to grow by 10 to 12 percent annually in next several years. 

According to Asociacion Mexicana de Envasey Embalaje (Mexican Process and Packaging Association), 

the growth in consumption of processed and/or packaged foods is anticipated to increase at an average 

rate of 15 to 20 percent annually. As appetites for processed, prepared food products rise among 

Mexicans, and increased demand for such food products applies pressure to foods suppliers, the Mexican 

food industry must upgrade infrastructure and equipment to meet the market demand. Some sources 

indicate that the Mexican packaging industry is about five years behind the U.S. packaging industry.

Further, there are no significant trade barriers or restrictive practices impeding U.S.-Mexico trade. 

Following provisions under NAFTA, Mexican establishments importing U.S. food processing and 

packaging equipment face no import duties. Imports of food processing equipment have no restrictions 

but are subject to strict labeling requirements and compliance with mandatory standards. 

The U.S. suppliers of food processing and packaging equipment have a very dominant position in the 

Mexican import marketplace. American manufacturers of food processing equipment have benefited from

NAFTA in part due to the low import duties. Almost all of the equipment is exempt from duties compared 

to non-NAFTA countries, which must pay 23 to 30 percent of tariff rates for the same equipment. The 

geographic proximity of Mexico to the U.S. border, results in lower transportation costs for U.S.-Mexican 

trade. Further, Mexicans are more accustomed to doing business with U.S. companies. U.S. import 

market share has increased over the years and more than half of food processing equipment imported to 

Mexico is from the U.S. 

3.3.5 Latin America: Brazil 

The total value of the Brazilian market for food processing and packaging machinery is estimated to 

exceed $450 million. According to estimates, nearly 70 percent of the market demand is met by domestic 

production while the remaining 30 percent of the market is served by foreign imports. Imports from the 

U.S. make up approximately 14 percent of the total imports market with Italy (27%) and Germany (21%) 

holding significant import market shares. 

Brazil has a mature food processing and packaging industry. While much of the demand for equipment is 

met domestically, many technically advanced, sophisticated machines are supplied by foreign 

manufacturers. Many small and medium sized Brazilian food processing and packaging firms tend to 

purchase domestically produced packaging and processing equipment while larger firms and 

multinational firms operating in Brazil often turn to foreign suppliers for equipment. These larger 

businesses also seek highly advanced, automated, efficient machines. Regulatory and market trends point 

to more sophisticated technology and higher efficiency in food processing and packaging in Brazil. Many 

U.S.-made machines and products have a good reputation for advanced technology and high quality. The 

U.S. industry supplying equipment to Brazilian food processing and packaging businesses have good 

prospects in providing machinery with higher efficiency levels, automated devices and new technology. 

U.S. companies exporting to Brazil face a number of tariff and non-tariff types of trade barriers. While 

virtually all imports from its MERCOSUR partners enter Brazil duty-free, U.S. suppliers experience a 

distinct disadvantage entering the market in Brazil. As a member of MERCOSUR, Brazil implements the 

Appalachian Regional Commission 82 Global Competitiveness of 

Selected Industries and Clusters in The Appalachian Region
MERCOSUR Common External Tariff (CET). Capital goods such as machines used in food processing 

and packaging, mostly bear a 14 percent tariff. 

The Brazilian Government imposes a series of restrictions in the importation of used equipment, parts, 

pieces and accessories. Regulation No. 370 (Portaria) of the Brazilian Ministry of Industry, Commerce 

and Tourism dated November 28, 1994 establishes the rules and regulations for importing these products 

into Brazil. Transfer of manufacturing plants from overseas to Brazil that generate new jobs, increase 

exports and result in cost reduction are exempt from these restrictions. Because of the substantial price 

difference between used and new machines, there is a niche market for used machines in Brazil, although 

the procedures for gaining import approval are complicated. Import duties on refurbished machines are 

the same as on new products; however, even when the new machine is exempt from the Tax over 

Industrial Product, the tax is levied on imported used machines. 

The Brazilian Government, through the Foreign Trade Secretariat and the Industrial Policy Secretariat, 

authorizes imports of used food processing and packaging machinery, provided they are not produced in 

Brazil nor can they be replaced by locally-made equipment that performs the same functions of the 

imported machinery. The import authorization will only be granted if no local producer can prove that 

domestic production of a similar product exists. This proof must be provided to the Foreign Trade 

Secretariat within thirty days from publication in the Brazilian Daily Registry (Diario Oficial da Uniao). 

3.3.6 Latin America: Argentina 

Total market for packaging equipment in Argentina is estimated to be over $100 million. Virtually all 

(roughly 90%) of the packaging equipment in Argentina is imported. The main suppliers for Argentina 

are Italy, Germany and the U.S. Italy is the leader with 31.5 percent of the import market while Germany

holds over 20 percent of the market. The U.S. is ranked third among packaging equipment exporters to 

Argentina with 12 percent of the market share. European competitors in the marketplace have been able 

to provide more competitive financial terms, thus gaining additional market share. Among food 

processing, meatpacking, and sugar packaging equipment sub-sectors, the U.S. ranks first in exports. 

The Argentine market for food processing equipment is estimated to be over $70 million. This market is 

also mostly dominated by imported equipment. The main suppliers for Argentina’s food processing 

machines include American, German, Italian, French, Spanish and Brazilian companies. Together, they

account for more than 70 percent of food processing equipment imported to Argentina. In 1999, the 

import market share for the U.S. was 20 percent. Italy held 19.5 percent; Germany 11.8 percent; France 

11.2 percent; Brazil 8.8 percent; and Spain 6.4 percent. In terms of quality, local production offers little 

competition. Imported equipment provides superior products to the Argentine market. The U.S.-made 

machinery is recognized for quality. Additional offering of attractive payment terms can increase the 

competitive position of U.S.-based suppliers of food processing equipment in Argentina. 

Even though the import market has decreased, mainly due to a serious economic downturn in Argentina, 

projections forecast increasing market share and imports from U.S. suppliers in coming years. Outlook for 

U.S. and Appalachian food processing machines in Argentina is fair despite difficult economic 

conditions. The U.S. increased its market share from 17 percent in 2001 to 21 percent in 2002. Table 3-12 

shows information concerning market size and potential of Argentine food processing equipment and 

related packaging machine subsectors. 

Appalachian Regional Commission 83 Global Competitiveness of 

Selected Industries and Clusters in The Appalachian Region
Table 3-12. Argentine Market for Food Processing and Packaging Equipment 

2000 2001 2002 Projected Growth

(%) 

Total Market 78 57 44 5%

Local Production 27 25 20 10%

Exports 13 13 12 8%

Imports 64 45 33 5%

Imports from U.S. 19 8 7 10%

Source: unofficial estimates based on Argentine Customs data and other sources. 

Argentina has eliminated much of non-tariff barriers and specific import duties over the recent years. The 

intra-MERCOSUR tariffs are currently at zero. Most extra-MERCOSUR tariffs for food processing and 

packaging equipment are 14 percent. In addition to trade barriers stemming from tariffs, exporting to 

Argentina faces cumbersome customs procedures that pose obstacles to legitimate trade activities. 

Argentina has import monitoring mechanisms, similar to an import-licensing regime, which affect 

roughly 20 percent of all imports. U.S. suppliers also complain that unwieldy certificates of origin 

requirements introduce added burdens for them. 

3.3.7 Europe: Poland 

In the European marketplace, Poland is becoming increasingly attractive for foreign investors and 

exporters. Its food processing and packaging equipment segment has a prominent place in the Polish 

economy, and is well positioned to take advantage of the country’s agricultural output. The Polish food 

processing industry is undergoing modernization, and the industry is expected to continue rapid 

development. In addition, Polish consumers have been experiencing a rise in purchasing power, and 

preference for processed/packaged food items is increasing. These trends encourage the demand for food 

processing and packaging equipment. 

In 1999, the equipment market was estimated to be about $340 million. Only about 13 percent of market 

needs are met by Polish domestic production. The rest is supplied by foreign imports. Machines 

originating from the EU (i.e. Germany, Italy) dominate the imports market, in part, due to their proximity, 

and lower cost of transportation. The value of food processing and packaging machines from the U.S. 

accounted for over three percent of food processing equipment imports in 1999. 

While U.S.-made equipment is not well known in Poland, it is expected that imports from the U.S. will 

increase at an estimated annual growth rate of two percent. The U.S.-made machines have burdens of 

higher price. Other key factors of competition such as productivity, after-sale service and specialization of 

machineries can enhance sales in Poland as American machines currently have a good reputation. 

Penetrating the Polish market for food processing and packaging equipment, some of the tariff and nontariff barriers must be overcome. In terms of tariffs, machines imported from the U.S., including 

Appalachian manufacturers, face higher customs rates than those imported from the EU, other European 

nations, and other developing nations. Current customs tariff codes for U.S. food processing equipment 

range from 5 to 9 percent. Since Poland joined the EU in 2004, U.S. exporters can have tariffs on U.S.-

produced machinery to reflect EU levels. In terms of non-tariff trade barriers, Poland’s inefficient and 

slow legal system can impede the ability of exporters and investors to conduct business there. U.S. firms 

have complained frequently that the Polish court system is slow and unreliable, preventing many U.S 

suppliers of machinery from protecting their investments, rights and business interests there. Ineffective 

court cases that do not resolve disputes or punish the infringing entity tend to result in lost business 

Appalachian Regional Commission 84 Global Competitiveness of 

Selected Industries and Clusters in The Appalachian Region
opportunities for U.S. suppliers. Such deficiencies limit the ability of U.S. firms to enforce the terms of 

contracts with their Polish business partners. 

3.4 Microelectronics 

Manufacturing segments that make up the microelectronics industry produce semiconductors, printed 

circuit boards, electron tubes, capacitors, resistors, inductors and other electronic connectors and 

components are examples of manufactured microelectronics products. Their products reflect, by and 

large, light-weight, high-value items requiring speedy yet flexible transportation of the goods. Largely,

the microelectronics group can be classified under NAICS code 334—Computer and Electronic Product 

Manufacturing. While these establishments have experienced rapid growth in the past five to ten years, 

they also faced precipitous drops in market demand for high-technology commodities as the recent 

downturn in the economy has been suppressing economic activities in the tech sector. The following 

tables (3-13 and 3-14) will attest to both the enormity of the microelectronics industry value and the 

difficult times the industry has been facing in recent years. Both employment and total value of shipment 

have declined from 1997 to 2001. It is worthwhile to note that the total value of shipment of the 

microelectronics industry eclipsed a half trillion dollars in 2000. With economic recovery on the way, the 

sector will regain some ground in coming years. 

Table 3-13. Computer and Electronic Product Manufacturing (NAICS 334) Sector 

Year Employees Total Value of 

Shipment ($1,000) 

2001 1,598,766 429,470,841

2000 1,652,745 510,638,486

1999 1,610,202 467,059,396

1998 1,686,623 443,767,112

1997 1,691,146 439,381,300

Table 3-14. Semiconductor and Other Electronic Component Manufacturing (NAICS 3344) Sector 

Year Employees Total Value of 

Shipment ($1,000) 

2001 566,864 124,215,433

2000 614,083 166,670,953

1999 586,221 146,798,872

1998 585,395 133,193,113

1997 587,313 139,083,873

Source (for both tables): Annual Survey of Manufacturers, Industry Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau, Dec. 20, 2002.

Following general trends of the economy and the industry group, the sector’s export volume and value of 

shipment also fluctuate over the years. While the export shipment volume dropped since 2000, a longer 

term trend shows that it has been up slightly from $42 billion in 1998 to $44 billion in 2002 (see Table 3-

15). It is worthwhile to note that the Asian region consistently received nearly one half of all 

microelectronics exports from the U.S. from 1998 to 2002. Despite the economic downturn, over the five 

year period from 1998 to 2002, U.S. exports of microelectronics to Asia increased by 14 percent in five 

years. As shown in Table 3-16, U.S. exports of semiconductors to China drastically rose between 1998 

and 2002, roughly by a multiple of three. Another notable marketplace is Eastern Europe. While the 

absolute size of the market is still relatively small, the market poses growth potential. From 1998 to 2002, 

Appalachian Regional Commission 85 Global Competitiveness of 

Selected Industries and Clusters in The Appalachian Region
the total exports of microelectronics to Eastern Europe increased by 160 percent (from $46 million in 

1998 to $120 million in 2002). Exports to Canada have experienced some fluctuation while exports to 

Latin America have remained fairly steady over the years. 

Table 3-15. Microelectronics Exports from the U.S. to the World 

NAICS 334 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002

Microelectronics In 1,000 Dollars

Canada 4,140,889 4,500,106 5,488,675 3,559,192 2,528,103

Latin America 7,810,413 9,353,477 12,211,708 9,233,214 7,800,756

EU 5,654,909 6,375,107 8,792,565 7,237,169 5,530,089

Eastern Europe 46,825 60,824 100,176 74,708 120,953

Russia 17,497 16,273 21,229 24,026 21,395

Asia 24,033,613 31,050,427 39,150,542 27,361,644 27,408,724

Oceania 154,009 153,519 175,114 148,474 138,230

Other 666,504 873,290 1,303,427 976,400 770,282

World 42,524,659 52,383,023 67,243,436 48,614,827 44,318,532

Sources: Data on this site have been compiled from tariff and trade data from the U.S. Department of Commerce, 

the U.S. Treasury, and the U.S. International Trade Commission. 

Table 3-16. Semiconductors Top 20 U.S. Exports and Total 

NAICS 334413 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002

Semiconductors In 1,000 Dollars

Malaysia 3,610,407 4,410,584 5,030,203 3,618,863 4,439,023

Philippines 3,276,776 3,997,519 4,697,596 4,315,552 4,406,583

Taiwan 2,119,334 2,594,733 3,845,048 3,014,346 3,520,697

Korea 3,197,280 5,633,241 5,435,274 3,049,292 3,329,186

Mexico 2,386,251 3,177,717 4,487,737 3,382,329 2,497,241

Japan 2,282,738 2,800,683 3,295,506 2,558,123 2,054,715

Singapore 2,463,820 2,541,024 2,977,516 1,805,386 1,559,269

Germany 635,278 784,419 1,042,321 1,178,938 1,317,490

Canada 2,643,684 2,786,539 3,302,162 1,833,674 1,294,241

China 440,620 641,848 685,815 946,060 1,237,502

Hong Kong 1,355,931 1,751,153 1,904,789 1,339,887 1,227,889

Thailand 1,073,777 1,175,709 2,099,641 1,523,231 758,399

United Kingdom 1,026,315 1,153,542 1,405,185 1,019,909 728,549

Costa Rica 12,296 139,900 219,195 241,553 726,069

Netherlands 265,179 317,888 333,519 341,641 474,155

France 547,975 540,433 801,200 496,804 348,097

Brazil 225,839 372,080 629,738 487,791 260,926

Ireland 227,979 302,831 377,148 306,027 223,638

Israel 116,705 165,161 408,188 285,891 211,725

Italy 153,706 202,230 399,703 246,886 192,315

Subtotal, Top 20: 28,061,889 35,489,231 43,377,482 31,992,182 30,807,711

All Other: 992,823 1,126,080 1,450,793 1,462,457 929,877

Total 29,054,712 36,615,311 44,828,274 33,454,639 31,737,587

Sources: Data on this site have been compiled from tariff and trade data from the U.S. Department of Commerce, 

the U.S. Treasury, and the U.S. International Trade Commission. 

Appalachian Regional Commission 86 Global Competitiveness of 

Selected Industries and Clusters in The Appalachian Region
Canada and Mexico represent relatively large export markets that are close to U.S. suppliers. Both 

countries import significant amounts of semiconductors and other microelectronic components and 

products from the U.S. While the absolute size of Canadian and Mexican opportunities is large, the 

markets also have been affected by domestic economic downturns due to their geographic proximity. 

Among the global markets farther away from the U.S., Asian economies import a bulk of American 

microelectronics products. Of the Asian economies, Taiwan has had very strong demand for U.S.-made 

semiconductors and microelectronic components, and is forecast to have robust growth in future demand 

for U.S.-made microelectronics. China and Eastern European markets also open many dynamic growth 

opportunities for exporting microelectronic components for American manufacturers. China, especially

after its recent accession to the WTO, is one of the fastest growing markets for technology products. 

Exhibit 3-6 presents the distribution of Appalachia’s microelectronics exports by state. 

Exhibit 3-6: Appalachian Exports: Electronic Components (State Share of Appalachian Exports) 

0%

5%

10%

15%

20%

25%

30%

35%

Alababama

Georgia

Kentucky

Maryland

Mississippi

New York

North Carolina

Ohio

Pennsylvania

South Carolina

Tennessee

Virginia

West Virginia

Sources: ITA, MISER, U.S. DOC through IMPLAN. Calculations by JFA. 

3.4.1 NAFTA: Canada 

The Canadian market for electronic parts and components is composed of semiconductors, printed 

circuits, connectors, capacitors, resistors, diodes, switches, relays, transformers, plugs, switchboards, and 

other varieties of electronic parts. A sub-sector of the electronic parts and components market is 

semiconductors. This sub-sector makes up an increasing part of modern manufacturing, and the Canadian 

market represents a large potential for semiconductor makers. Canada represents a good market for U.S. 

suppliers in the industry. Canada has historically run trade deficits in its trade of electronic components 

with the world and the U.S. The Canadian market size for electronic parts and components is estimated to 

exceed $15 billion, and approximately 86 percent of the total market is supplied by imports. The U.S. 

controls nearly 50 percent of the Canadian electronic parts and components market, and over 62 percent 

Appalachian Regional Commission 87 Global Competitiveness of 

Selected Industries and Clusters in The Appalachian Region
of all electronic parts and component imports into Canada. Table 3-17 shows electronic components that 

Canada imported most in 2001. 

Trade experts anticipate that U.S. suppliers of electronic components will continue to enjoy a very

receptive market in Canada. As more Canadian-based companies engage in the manufacturing of 

electronics systems, more parts and components will be necessary. Taking advantage of proximity and a 

very dominant market position, U.S. suppliers of microelectronic components have good outlook in 

exporting opportunities to Canada. 

Table 3-17. Top 5 Electronic Components Canada Imported in 2001 

Product U.S.$ (in millions) 

Integrated circuits 4,330 

Switches, relays and plugs 2,714 

Wire and cable 2,413 

Cathode-ray tubes 2,294 

Printed circuits 1,211 

Source: International Trade Administration (ITA). 

3.4.2 NAFTA: Mexico 

Much of Mexico’s electronic components market is dominated by foreign imports. This industry is a 

significant sector for the Mexican economy, and is an evolving one. Mexico imports many electronic 

components and produces finished or intermediary products and (re)exports the assembled products. After 

NAFTA, this industry has grown both in terms of size and scale. The industry has moved into new 

product lines away from traditional markets. It is a very important industry in Mexico and involves 

automotive electronics, network equipment, game consoles, printers, high capacity servers, storage media 

and even semiconductor design. The industry imports 92 percent of necessary parts and 85 percent of the 

imports are provided by U.S. suppliers. The U.S. holds a dominant market position in the Mexican 

electronics component market. 

Geographic proximity and inexpensive labor provide Mexico with opportunities to import foreign 

microelectronic components and assemble intermediary or final products that get shipped to the U.S. and 

other global markets with much more value added. Multinational technology firms such as HP, IBM, 

Siemens, Kodak, Sony, Samsung, and Mitsubishi have manufacturing plants in Baja California and 

Guadalajara, among many other locations inside Mexico. Texas Instruments and Siemens are examples of 

growing specialty microelectronics segments in Guadalajara. They are venturing in automotive 

electronics. Others produce computers (laptops), telecommunication equipment, computer peripherals 

(printers) and circuit boards. Table 3-18 summarizes market size data for electronics parts in Mexico. 

Table 3-18. Market Size Data for Imported Electronics Parts and Accessories (US $ millions) 

2000 2001 2002

Import Market 42,347 30,010 27,000

Local Production 438 501 550

Total Market 42,785 30,510 27,550

Imports from U.S. 33,071 26,650 21,000

Source: U.S. Department of Commerce: Bureau of the Census; International Trade Administration (ITA). 

Appalachian Regional Commission 88 Global Competitiveness of 

Selected Industries and Clusters in The Appalachian Region
Mexico still represents an attractive marketplace for exporting microelectronic components. The market 

has recovered somewhat from 2000-2002 economic slowdown which dampened the overall demand for 

the microelectronics sector. Renewed growth in 2003 coupled with proximity of U.S. suppliers to the 

Mexican market and the low transportation costs contributes to the U.S. dominant market position in 

Mexico. 

The top five electronic components imported from the U.S. to Mexico are: integrated circuits; cathode-ray

tubes; printed circuits; switches, relays and plugs; and capacitors. Under NAFTA, it is advantageous for 

Mexican businesses to import electronic components from U.S. suppliers. NAFTA affords virtually dutyfree trade of electronic components, and improved customs procedures. In addition, geographic proximity

allows short lead time and lower transportation costs. 

3.4.3 Asia/Pacific: China 

China with its rapidly growing export industries, combined with swelling trade deficits in the U.S., has 

been viewed as a serious economic competitor in recent years. As China has been forging its economy as 

a future economic power with its exports, its domestic marketplace has been expanding very quickly.

With its accession to the WTO, China’s emerging domestic market poses abundance of opportunities for 

foreign exporters. 

China is one of the fastest growing IT markets in the world, and recently passed Australia to become the 

second largest market in Asia after Japan. In the past two years, China’s IT industry has been growing at 

an annual rate of over 30 percent. Last year, China’s IT market size exceeded $22 billion, according to 

International Data Corporation (IDC). China’s market is expected to grow to be a $40 billion marketplace 

by 2006, according to IDC. Much of the market (over 70%) is attributed to hardware purchases while the 

rest of the market consists of software and IT services. 

Trade of IT hardware products between the U.S. and China has tripled between 1998 and 2002. U.S. 

exports to China have been growing much slower than China’s exports of computer and related items to 

the U.S., leading to a significant trade deficit in this area. The U.S. exports of IT hardware products to 

China amounted to nearly $580 million in 2002. China shipped over $9 billion worth of computer 

equipment to the U.S. in the same year. China’s accession to the WTO is expected to encourage more IT 

exports from the U.S. to China as some tariffs levied on IT hardware products are adjusted. 

Relative to other sectors and the IT software segment, the Chinese market for IT hardware is 

comparatively open. For various reasons, the Chinese government is willing to allow greater competition 

in the hardware segment—especially after China’s accession to the WTO. China has signed the 

Information Technology Agreement (ITA) as a condition of joining the WTO. The ITA began eliminating 

tariffs starting in 2002, and eliminating tariffs on 2/3 of the products by January 2003. Tariffs on all 

remaining products are scheduled to disappear by 2005. Industry experts estimate that the U.S. saved 

about $500 million in tariffs in 2002 alone. 

While many large U.S. companies such as IBM, Dell, HP and Compaq already have a good foothold in

China, many U.S. suppliers face competition from domestic producers and regional suppliers from

Taiwan, Japan and Korea. Chinese domestic competition is very fierce. Chinese PC makers hold over a 

half of the domestic market demand. Multinational firms such as IBM and HP had to form local joint 

ventures in order to penetrate and gain market access into China. Despite its accession to the WTO, local 

Chinese technology companies maintain close-knit relationship with large government and other official 

buyers. Cost is a key factor in gaining competitive advantage in China. Dell, known for its operational 

efficiency and scalable and inexpensive hardware, lowered prices in China, only to be countered by a 14 

Appalachian Regional Commission 89 Global Competitiveness of 

Selected Industries and Clusters in The Appalachian Region
percent discount offered by a Chinese PC giant, Legend. Legend and other Chinese producers maintain a 

strong foothold in the domestic PC market in China.

Internationally, many U.S. companies must face stiff competition from regional foreign suppliers from

Taiwan, Japan and Korea. Along with the U.S. firms, these foreign suppliers also face similar limitations 

and challenges entering China. With additional market access projected with China’s entrance into the 

WTO, the U.S. must improve pricing structure and services to better compete in a more open 

marketplace. 

There are also other barriers. U.S. Department of Commerce export licensing applies to technologies that 

may have “dual-use” for both civilian and military purposes. China, while committed to the WTO 

agreements, still has several trade barriers. China recently announced a new import standard, “China 

Compulsory Certification.” PCs, portable (laptop) computers, monitors, printers, multipurpose 

printer/fax/copy machines, scanners, power supply units, game consoles, leaning machines, servers and 

others must carry the China Compulsory Certification Mark (CCC) starting May 2003. The certification 

process is another hindering step for U.S. exporters. 

3.4.4 Asia/Pacific: Taiwan 

Taiwan has been an important industry leader in technology, especially in the semiconductor sector. In 

recent years, the global economic downturn and slow market demand for IT products have affected most 

industrialized nations and electronics component marketplaces around the world. Despite the slow 

economy, Taiwan’s market for semiconductors has seen improvements, and its market is recovering. The 

Taiwanese market for electronics parts and components can offer U.S. suppliers an opportune place to 

increase their market share.

Economic slowdown has reduced Taiwan’s market for semiconductors from $16 billion in 2000 to $10 

billion in 2001. While such reduction is a drastic one, the market still represents substantial business 

opportunities. U.S. exports of electronic components, including semiconductors, improved by 16.5 

percent from 2001 to 2002 (from $3.2 to $3.7 billion). Current conditions provide U.S. suppliers with 

good footing especially in light of the recent withdrawal of Japanese competitors from Taiwan’s DRAM 

market. U.S suppliers now have secured the third largest market share in Taiwan’s semiconductors import 

market, over their Japanese counterparts. Tables 3-19 and 3-20 display data reflecting Taiwan’s strength 

in semiconductors and data showing U.S. exports of microelectronic components to Taiwan. 

Table 3-19. Taiwan’s Market for Semiconductors 

2001 2002 2003 Projected Avg. Annual 

Growth Rate 

Total Market 10,056 10,100 11,850 10-15%

Local Production 6,510 7,500 6,900 15-20%

Exports 2,987 3,900 4,500 15-20%

Import Market 6,533 6,500 6,900 10-15%

Imports from U.S. 784 780 830 10-15%

Source: U.S. Department of Commerce: Bureau of the Census; International Trade Administration (ITA). 

Appalachian Regional Commission 90 Global Competitiveness of 

Selected Industries and Clusters in The Appalachian Region
Table 3-20. U.S. Exports of Electronic Components to Taiwan 1998-2002 (in $1000) 

1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 %Change

2001-2002 

Taiwan 2,346,588 2,807,356 4,092,048 3,187,444 3,713,279 16.5%

Source: International Trade Administration (ITA). 

U.S. suppliers of electronic components and parts to Taiwan face competition from Malaysia, the 

Philippines and Japan. In 2001, the three countries held Taiwan’s import market shares of 18.4 percent, 

16.6 percent and 11.8 percent respectively. Japanese firms, principal competitors of U.S. suppliers, have 

been losing market share in recent years. Meanwhile, U.S. producers have been enjoying increased sales 

in the segments of micro-components, logic ICs, DRAMs, microprocessors and analog ICs. The U.S. 

products are well received, and generally carry a reputation of superior technology, quality and 

performance in Taiwan’s import market. 

Currently, Taiwan uses a tariff system based on the Harmonized System, and the duty on imported 

products is defined on an ad valorem basis. There are no import duties for semiconductors and U.S. 

technical standards are generally accepted in Taiwan. 

3.4.5 Eastern Europe & Russia 

Economies of Eastern Europe and Russia offer tremendous business opportunities for U.S. firms 

supplying microelectronics products, parts and accessories. These economies have begun opening up, and 

liberalization process creates prospects for U.S. exporters. 

The Russian market for the IT sector represents a growing and dynamic market for U.S. suppliers. The 

Russian market for the IT hardware segment is expected to grow at a double-digit annual growth rate. The 

market size increased at a 20 percent rate from 2001 to 2002. The Russian IT market size in 2002 was 

estimated to be $3.9 billion. The Hungarian IT sector is also a dynamic marketplace that is growing fast. 

It is estimated that the market size in 2002 was around $4.7 billion and the sector would experience a 

healthy growth rate of over 8 percent in 2003. In Slovakia, the IT market is estimated to be about $450 

million at an 11 percent growth rate. For 2003 onward, the IT market growth in Slovakia is expected to 

range from 10 to 13 percent annually.

In Russia, the total number of computers was over 11 million in 2001, which was an increase of over 6 

percent from 2000. There is significant room for growth in this market. Only about 15 percent of Russia’s 

computer segment demand is met by imports. The rest of the demand is met by locally assembled, 

manufactured products. While Russian manufacturers provide low-cost assembled PCs, other system

components including printers, peripherals, servers and networking hardware are mostly imported. 

Russia’s IT imports market is very receptive to U.S. suppliers and their products. Larger companies such 

as IBM, HP/Compaq, Microsoft, Sun Microsystems and others have strong presence in the Russian 

market already. Major groups in Russia that are end-users of IT products, microelectronics parts and 

components are multinational companies, government agencies and Russian companies. Market access to 

Russia is fairly straightforward according to many analysts. U.S. exporters generally report few problems.

In Slovakia, the IT market was estimated to be around $450 million with an 11 percent annual growth rate 

in 2002. It is expected that the market will increase in size at an annual rate ranging from 10 to 13 percent 

in coming years. Much like other Eastern European bloc economies, recent liberalization processes in 

Slovakia have provided export opportunities for many American microelectronics suppliers. Robust 

Appalachian Regional Commission 91 Global Competitiveness of 

Selected Industries and Clusters in The Appalachian Region
demand for technology in both consumer and corporate sectors has been fueling a rapid increase in the IT 

market. The number of Internet users in Slovakia more than tripled between 1997 and 2001. 

Competing in Slovakia is not without challenge. European competitors such as Germany, France, UK, 

Sweden and Finland have a clear advantage in geographical and cultural proximity with Slovak markets. 

Besides the market competition, U.S. microelectronics suppliers face few problems. Market access to 

Slovakia is fairly straightforward. Import/export documentation is similar to that of EU countries. Most 

high-tech western technology can flow into Central and Eastern Europe without U.S. export licenses. 

In Hungary, the domestic computer hardware equipment market is estimated to be over $450 million. If 

network equipment and telecommunication hardware were counted, the market potential may exceed one 

billion. The segment has been growing at a very high annual growth rate ranging from 7 to 8 percent in 

recent years. An estimated 2 million PCs are used in Hungary, and about 1.6 million people are using the 

Internet. With increasing demand for technology and computers, Hungary represents an emergent and 

energetic market for U.S. microelectronics suppliers. 

PC sales in Hungary have had significant increases from 2001 to 2002. The overall PC market expanded 

by 10 percent and demand for laptops grew by over 30 percent during the same period. Larger 

multinational corporations such as IBM, HP/Compaq, Microsoft, Sun Microsystems and others have a 

strong presence in Hungary. Many U.S. companies have a solid foothold in Hungary, and represent a 

majority in several different market sub-segments (i.e. markets for servers, consumer PCs, printers and 

other peripherals, and components). The Hungarian government has identified the IT sector as a priority

economic sector, and is actively supporting business and individual access to IT. Such initiatives include 

direct spending of over $100 million in 2001; and over $150 million in 2002. Principal opportunities in 

Hungary for exporting U.S. microelectronics include individual consumers of IT products (computers, 

peripherals), Hungarian businesses (servers, peripherals, laptops and components) and Hungarian 

manufacturers (components). Market access to Hungary is favorable. Although Hungary has not signed 

the 1996 Singapore Treaty that stipulates duty rates on import of IT products, there are no import duties 

on computers, storage units, printers and other equipment from the U.S. 

Summary

♦ For Appalachian exporters of automotive parts, NAFTA economies (Canada and Mexico) present 

the largest export market. Established Western European markets (Germany and Sweden), 

Asia/Pacific (Korea), and Latin American markets (Argentina) also offer good prospects for 

future growth. 

♦ For Appalachian wooden household and upholstered furniture manufacturers, NAFTA markets 

(Canada & Mexico), Germany, Korea, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates represent 

leading export markets. 

♦ Canada, Mexico, China, Poland, Argentina, Brazil and Thailand are leading markets for 

Appalachian exports of food processing and packaging machinery.

♦ China and Eastern European markets open many dynamic growth opportunities for exporting 

microelectronic components for Appalachian manufacturers. Asian economies such as Taiwan 

also offer opportunities for growth in future demand for U.S.-made microelectronics. 

Appalachian Regional Commission 92 Global Competitiveness of 

Selected Industries and Clusters in The Appalachian Region
CHAPTER 4: TRANSPORTATION AND LOGISTICS ANALYSIS 

The purpose of Chapter 4 is to identify routes and modes used to bring products produced in Appalachia 

to United States ports for export, and thereby note strengths and weaknesses of the ARC transportation 

network (see http://www.arc.gov/index.do?nodeId=62 for an overview of the Appalachian transportation 

system). As a starting pointing, we focus on export of six groups of commodities produced in Appalachia: 

• Auto parts 

• Electronic components 

• Wood furniture 

• Upholstered furniture 

• Food processing machinery

• Packaging machinery

Developing the route and mode analysis requires the following steps: 

1. Quantifying exports by value and volume from the ARC in the above target industries. These data 

are presented in aggregate, by ARC county and state.61 

2. Identifying ports of lading of exports of these counties from ARC, pairing counties of origin with 

destination ports. 

3. Making inferences from the data developed in Step 2 to analyze modal splits and routing from

Appalachia to major ports used for exporting the target commodities. These data are supported 

and enriched by interviews with ARC-based shippers of these commodities and representatives 

from the logistics industry 

4.1 Export Shipments from the Appalachian Region 

By far, the value of auto parts is the largest exported product group from ARC among the six industries 

that this study addresses, followed by electronic components (see Table 4-1). Together these two 

commodities account for more than 95 percent of the value of exports of the six product groupings, while 

wood furniture, upholstered furniture, food processing machinery and packaging machinery in aggregate 

account for 4.6 percent of the total. As a five-year average, these six commodity groups exported from

ARC account for 3.3 percent of the value of the $169.5 billion of exports from Appalachian states 

(statewide totals for all commodities). 

Table 4-1. Exports from Appalachian Counties by Value 

$ Millions 1998-2002 Percent of Total (rounded) 

Auto Parts $3,634 65.4%

Electronic Components $1,673 30.1%

Wood Furniture $ 114 2.1%

Upholstered Furniture $ 61 1.1%

Food Processing Machinery $ 60 1.1% 

Packaging Machinery $ 15 0.3%

Totals $5,557 100%

Sources: ITA, MISER, U.S. DOC through IMPLAN, JFA 

 61 The aggregation of ARC counties within a state’s borders. 

Appalachian Regional Commission 93 Global Competitiveness of 

Selected Industries and Clusters in The Appalachian Region
Considering just the six targeted commodities, 43 percent of the value of exports from these industries 

shipped from ARC states originates in Appalachian counties (see Table 4-2). This ranges from almost 50 

percent of the value of auto parts and upholstered furniture to 21 percent of the value of food processing 

machinery that are exported overall from the 13 states. 

Table 4-2. Exports from Appalachian States and Counties. Appalachian counties are responsible for 

more than 40 percent of exports of targeted commodities generated by constituent states. 

Exports from 

ARC States 

($millions) 

Exports from 

ARC Counties 

($millions) 

Percent Exported from 

ARC States that Originate 

in ARC Region 

Auto Parts $ 7,510 $ 3,634 48.4%

Electronic Components $ 4,662 $ 1,673 35.9%

Wood Furniture $ 352 $ 114 32.4%

Upholstered Furniture $ 129 $ 61 47.4%

Food Processing Machinery $ 284 $ 60 21.1% 

Packaging Machinery $ 54 $ 15 27.9%

Totals $ 12,991 $ 5,557 42.8% 

Sources: ITA, MISER, U.S. DOC through IMPLAN. Calculations by EDR Group and JFA. 

4.2 Routing and Modes from Appalachia to Ports of Lading 

Unfortunately, there is not a single data source to trace routing of commodities from points of origin to 

points of lading. The largest three issues confronted are: 

1. Export data are available from state to port, but not from county to port. 

2. Publicly accessible modal data are not available in industry specific detail or by sub-state 

geography. 

3. Databases that were used use different industry and commodity classification systems, requiring 

translations between industry codes and commodity codes, and among varying industry and

commodity codes. This project at different junctures used databases in NAICS, SIC, BEA 

sectoring, Harmonized Commodity Codes, SITC and, STCC.62 

This analysis, therefore, involves a series of sources. Data accumulated per county by Minnesota Implan 

Group, Inc. (IMPLAN) from federal data sources (most notably the U.S. Department of Commerce) is the 

basis for county-specific economic activity and the rate of exports among the six commodities. The 

Massachusetts Institute of Social and Economic Research (MISER) and the International Trade 

Administration of the U.S. Department of Commerce (ITA) were the sources for exports by commodity

and value from state to country of destination and domestic ports of lading.63 The Freight Analysis 

Framework (U.S. Department of Transportation) and the Commodity Flow Survey (U.S. Department of 

Transportation and U.S. Department of Commerce) provide insights on the modal splits from point of 

origin to points of lading. Finally, we contacted manufacturers, common carriers and logistics firms to 

mine their insights regarding transporting goods for export. 

 62 NAICS – North American Industry Classification System; SIC – Standard Industrial Classification; BEA – 

Bureau of Economic Analysis of the U.S. Department of Commerce; SITC -Standard International Trade 

Classification; STCC - Standard Transportation Commodity Code. 63 Annual values of exports per commodity from 1998 through 2002 were averaged. In this way, annual fluctuations 

are not a factor. 

Appalachian Regional Commission 94 Global Competitiveness of 

Selected Industries and Clusters in The Appalachian Region
4.2.1 Exports by State 

Data gleaned from IMPLAN, ITA and MISER are the basis for estimating the original state and county of 

lading of exports by value generated from the ARC region for each of the six targeted commodities. Data 

available from 1998 through 2002 was averaged to account for year to year fluctuations. 

Overall, the annual value of the six target commodity groups exported from Appalachian counties is over 

$5 billion per year. Counties in West Virginia, Tennessee and Alabama account for roughly 50 percent of 

the total (see Table 4-3). Note that counties in these three states are the leaders in the export of auto parts, 

by far the largest of the six commodity groupings, and West Virginia is also a prominent exporter of 

electronic components, which is the region’s second largest industry of the six as shown in Table 4-1, 

above. 

Table 4-3. Exports from ARC Counties. The aggregated export value of the six target commodities 

show the disproportionate strength of West Virginia, Tennessee and Alabama due to these states’

strengths in auto parts and electronics. Appalachian counties are aggregated by state. 

State (Totals of ARC 

Counties) 

Average Value of 

Exports, 1998-2002 

Percent of Total ARC Exports 

West Virginia Total $ 988,838,386 19.2%

Tennessee Total $ 853,066,380 16.6%

Alabama Total $ 715,891,138 13.9%

Pennsylvania Total $ 404,569,700 7.9%

Georgia Total $ 381,575,320 7.4%

Ohio Total $ 301,621,607 5.9%

Maryland Total $ 274,323,608 5.3%

South Carolina Total $ 257,808,513 5.0%

North Carolina Total $ 254,895,432 5.0%

Virginia Total $ 200,359,053 3.9%

Mississippi Total $ 200,005,821 3.9%

New York Total $ 178,367,325 3.5%

Kentucky Total $ 132,493,424 2.6%

Total $ 5,143,815,708 100.0%

Note: Totals have been rounded 

Sources: ITA, MISER, U.S. DOC through IMPLAN. Calculations by EDR Group and JFA. 

In examining the value of exports from Appalachia aggregated by state for each of the six target 

industries, only in auto parts, by far the largest industry among the six, do as many as six of ARC’s 13 

constituent states generate significant values of exports (Tennessee, Alabama, West Virginia, Ohio, 

Maryland and Georgia). Together these six states account for 79 percent of auto parts exported from the 

region (see Table 4-4). Examining value as well as percentage is important because exports of the auto 

parts industry are nearly two-thirds of the six industries. Thus 5.5 percent of auto parts exports from the 

Region is worth roughly $200 million, while 5.5 percent shares of upholstered furniture and food 

processing machinery exports are worth about $3 million and less than $1 million in packaging 

machinery. Overall, the states identified as the leading exporters per target industry in Table 4-4 account 

for $4.2 billion annually, or 77 percent of all exports of these six commodity groups from Appalachia. Of 

the $4.2 billion, Appalachian counties in the eight states that are prominent exporters of auto parts and 

electronic components account for almost $4.1 billion, which is almost 74 percent of the total value of 

exports from Appalachia in these six industries. 

Appalachian Regional Commission 95 Global Competitiveness of 

Selected Industries and Clusters in The Appalachian Region
Table 4-4. States Generating Major Proportion of Exports in Targeted Commodities 

Commodity Group State of Origin (Totals 

of ARC Counties) 

Percent of all Exports 

from ARC 

Average Value of 

Exports 1998-2002 

Auto Parts Tennessee 22.0% $ 800,112,160 

Alabama 20.0% $ 726,714,042

West Virginia 15.1% $ 550,122,530

Ohio 8.3% $ 300,132,899

Maryland 7.6% $ 277,241,407

Georgia 5.5% $ 200,573,076

Subtotal Auto Parts 78.6% $2,854,896,115

Electronic 

Components

West Virginia 30.7% $ 514,311,720

Pennsylvania 19.7% $ 330,103,131

Georgia 12.7% $ 211,814,781

Mississippi 10.6% $ 176,679,628

Subtotal Electronic Components 73.7% $1,232,909,260 

Wood Furniture North Carolina 40.6% $46,461,756 

New York 26.1% $29,861,739 

Subtotal Wood Furniture 66.8% $76,323,495

Upholstered 

Furniture 

Tennessee 24.4% $14,871,673

Alabama 21.3% $13,002,790

Pennsylvania 20.3% $ 12,373,721

North Carolina 16.2% $ 9,912,413 

Subtotal Upholstered Furniture 82.1% $50,160,597

Food Processing 

Machinery 

Pennsylvania 27.9% $16,834,722

Georgia 20.1% $12,101,464

South Carolina 14.1% $ 8,525,894 

Ohio 12.1% $ 7,265,702 

Subtotal Food Processing Machinery 74.2% $44,727,781

Packaging Machinery South Carolina 64.8% $ 9,692,613 

Georgia 16.0% $ 2,393,219 

Subtotal Packaging Machinery 80.8% $12,085,832

Total all Commodity Groups 76.9% $ 4,271,103,080

Note: The five-year average of auto parts exports from Appalachian counties in South Carolina total roughly 

$150 million, per year. However, average exports in 2001 and 2002 are $200 million, which is most likely the 

influence of the BMW plant in the state. Note: Totals have been rounded. 

Sources: ITA, MISER, U.S. DOC through IMPLAN. Calculations by EDR Group and JFA.

Appalachian Regional Commission 96 Global Competitiveness of 

Selected Industries and Clusters in The Appalachian Region
4.2.2 Major Counties 

The foregoing analysis provides a framework to identify the leading counties in ARC that export the six 

targeted commodities and to pinpoint origins for cargo shipments. 

The top value exporting counties from ARC are: 

• Auto Parts – Cabell, WV 

• Electronics – Logan, WV 

• Food Processing Machinery – Hall, GA 

• Packaging Machinery – Greenville, SC 

• Upholstered Furniture – Hamblen, TN 

• Wood Furniture – Chautauqua, NY 

A more detailed accounting of leading exporting counties per commodity from Appalachia and the fiveyear average value of exports per county are listed below in Table 4-5. As expected, the leading counties 

that export each of the six targeted commodities generally fall into the leading states presented above in 

Table 4-4, given that the totals presented above are the sums of ARC counties with state borders. 

Exceptions are: 

• Greenville, South Carolina is the fourth leading exporter of electronic components. 

• Pennsylvania counties in ARC make Pennsylvania the second leading state in the region for 

export of electronic components. However, no single county is among the leading six counties 

that export in this commodity group. Instead, Pennsylvania produces goods for export among 

nine counties, which total over $173 million in value. 

• Pulaski, Virginia is the fifth leading exporter of food processing machinery (although this is a 

very small industry in comparison to auto parts and electronics). 

• Holmes, Ohio and Lowndes, Mississippi are respectively Appalachia’s fourth and fifth largest 

export counties of wood furniture, although these two states do not account for significant exports 

overall. (This is also a relatively small industry and values of exports are heavily concentrated in 

the top two counties in the ARC region.) 

4.2.3 Identifying Routes 

We identified major routes for carrying commodities to export through the following methods. 

1. Identify level of exports by state and county in ARC for each of the six targeted industries 

(sources U.S. Department of Commerce data through IMPLAN, MISER, International Trade 

Administration, calculations by Jack Faucet Associates (JFA) and EDR Group). 

2. Identify major exporting states and counties in each of the six targeted industries (sources: U.S.

Department of Commerce data through IMPLAN, MISER, International Trade Administration,

calculations by JFA and EDR Group). 

3. Identify states of lading in each of the six targeted industries originating in ARC (sources: U.S. 

Department of Commerce data through IMPLAN, MISER, International Trade Administration,

calculations by JFA and EDR Group). 

4. Identify gateway ports for exports in each of the six targeted commodities (sources: step 3 above, 

additional calculations by EDR Group). 

5. Identify routes between major producing states/counties in ARC and primary ports of lading. 

Appalachian Regional Commission 97 Global Competitiveness of 

Selected Industries and Clusters in The Appalachian Region
Table 4-5. Average Value of Exports 1998-2002. West Virginia hosts the counties that export the 

highest value of auto parts and electronics from the ARC region.

Commodity Group County State Average Value of 

Exports 1998-2002 

(millions) 

Auto Parts Cabell WV $ 394 

Limestone AL $ 283 

Washington MD $ 270 

Clermont OH $ 156 

Putnam TN $ 122 

Tuscaloosa AL $ 122 

Blount TN $ 120 

Electronics Logan WV $ 182 

Gwinnet GA $ 153 

Oktibbeha MS $ 131 

Greenville SC $ 74 

Wood WV $ 71 

Mercer WV $ 56 

Luzerne PA $ 35 

Food Processing Machinery Hall GA $ 8 

Clearfield PA $ 8 

Highland OH $ 6 

Spartenburg SC $ 4 

Pulaski VA $ 3 

Allegheny PA $ 3 

Packaging Machinery Greenville SC $ 7 

Spartenburg GA $ 3 

Gwinnett SC $ 2 

Upholstered Furniture Hamblen TN $ 5 

Rhea TN $ 4 

Alexander NC $ 4 

Lycoming PA $ 3 

McKean PA $ 2 

Caldwell NC $ 2 

Claiborne TN $ 2 

Marion AL $ 2 

Wood Furniture Chautauqua NY $ 22 

Caldwell NC $ 16 

Burke NC $ 4 

Homes OH $ 2 

Lowndes MS $ 2 

McDowell NC $ 2 

Sources: ITA, MISER, U.S. DOC through IMPLAN. Calculations by EDR Group and JFA.

Appalachian Regional Commission 98 Global Competitiveness of 

Selected Industries and Clusters in The Appalachian Region
States of Lading 

We identified states of lading (where a product leaves the U.S.) that account for more than 73 percent of 

the value of exports for the six target industries from Appalachian counties over the five year timeframe 

of 1998-2002. By individual commodity group, the percentage of exports shipped to these states for 

international export range from 68 to 76 percent of ARC exports (see Table 4-6). 

• The most significant states of lading for ARC commodities are Michigan, New York and Florida. 

These are major states of lading for each of the commodity groups (except that Michigan is not a 

major state of lading for packaging machinery). 

• Other key states of lading are South Carolina, Maryland and Texas for food processing machinery

and South Carolina and Texas for packaging equipment. 

• Note that with the exception of Maryland and South Carolina, the targeted commodities are being 

shipped outside of states with Appalachian counties for export.

Table 4-6. Significant States of Lading. Led by exports of auto parts, the most significant states of 

lading for ARC commodities are Michigan, New York and Florida. 

Commodity Group State of 

Lading 

Percent of all Exports 

from ARC 

Average Value of 

Exports 1998-2002 

Auto Parts Michigan 36.1% $ 1,313,172,274 

NY 32.4% $ 1,176,913,391 

Florida 7.5% $ 271,064,338 

Subtotal Auto Parts 76.0% $ 2,761,150,003 

Food Processing Machinery Michigan 13.4% $ 8,085,731 

New York 16.9% $ 10,165,953 

Texas 16.1% $ 9,689,612 

South Carolina 8.4% $ 5,058,858 

Florida 8.2% $ 4,932,236 

Maryland 7.5% $ 4,498,103 

Subtotal Food Processing Machinery 70.4% $ 42,430,493 

Packaging Machinery Florida 11.6% $ 1,736,169 

NY 19.2% $ 2,872,162 

South Carolina 17.4% $ 2,607,247 

Texas 20.1% $ 3,012,852 

Subtotal Packaging Machinery 68.3% $ 10,228,430 

Electronic Components Florida 12.6% $ 209,974,369 

Michigan 22.0% $ 367,915,248 

NY 33.3% $ 557,645,076 

Subtotal Electronic Components 67.9% $ 1,135,534,692 

Upholstered Furniture Florida 15.4% $ 9,381,064 

Michigan 28.2% $ 17,210,832 

NY 26.6% $ 16,264,175 

Subtotal Upholstered Furniture 70.2% $ 42,856,070 

Wood Furniture Florida 21.2% $ 24,248,372 

Michigan 14.6% $ 16,668,612 

NY 35.4% $ 40,448,251 

Subtotal Wood Furniture 71.2% $ 81,365,236 

Total all Commodity Groups 73.3% $ 4,073,564,926 

Sources: ITA, MISER, U.S. DOC through IMPLAN. Calculations by EDR Group and JFA. Note: Totals have been

rounded. 

Appalachian Regional Commission 99 Global Competitiveness of 

Selected Industries and Clusters in The Appalachian Region
4.2.4 Major Ports 

Ports of lading were identified in the following method. 

• MISER provides port specific data from exports originating in ARC states by commodities. (Data 

for point of origin are available on a state basis). 

• Leading ports within the states of lading per industry were identified from the MISER data. 

• Judgments were exercised when considering the geography of ARC and the location of key ports. 

For example, though Detroit and Port Huron are major ports in Michigan, it is likely that shippers 

of products originating in ARC and exported through Michigan will not bypass Detroit and truck 

goods 60 miles further north to Port Huron. 

Literally, hundreds of ports nationally are identified as gateways for the six targeted commodities. 

Narrowing the ports to those in key states of lading, and several others that are prominent nationally and 

are in or tangential to Appalachia, we have identified the probable main ports of lading for ARC produced 

exports of the six target commodities (see Table 4-7). 

Table 4-7. Main Ports of Lading for Appalachian Exports. Key ports of lading for exports in target 

industries from Appalachia are Detroit and New York, including JFK Airport.

Auto Parts 

• Detroit MI 

• New York, NY (including the 

Port of NY and JFK 

International Airport) 

• Buffalo-Niagara Falls, NY 

• Miami (including the Port of

Miami and Miami 

International Airport) 

• Jacksonville, FL 

Other

Norfolk, VA 

Baltimore, MD 

Laredo, TX 

Electronic Components 

• JFK International Airport 

• Buffalo-Niagara Falls, NY 

• Detroit, MI 

• Miami, FL (including the 

Port of Miami and Miami 

International Airport) 

Other

Charleston SC

Atlanta GA 

Dallas-Fort Worth TX 

Food Processing Machinery 

• Detroit, MI 

• New York, NY (including the 

Port of NY and JFK 

International Airport) 

• Buffalo-Niagara Falls, NY 

• Champlain-Rousse Pt., NY

• Baltimore, MD 

• Charleston SC

• Laredo, TX 

• Detroit, MI 

• Miami, FL (including the 

Port of Miami and Miami 

International Airport) 

Other

Norfolk, VA 

Packaging Machinery 

• Charleston SC

• New York, NY 

• Buffalo-Niagara Falls, NY 

• Laredo, TX 

• Miami, FL (including the 

Port of Miami and Miami 

International Airport) 

Upholstered Furniture

• Detroit MI 

• New York, NY 

• Buffalo-Niagara Falls, NY 

• Miami (Including the Port of

Miami and Miami 

International Airport) 

• Jacksonville, FL 

Wood Furniture 

• Detroit MI 

• New York, NY 

• Buffalo-Niagara Falls, NY 

• Miami, FL 

• Jacksonville, FL 

Other

Charleston SC

Norfolk, VA 

Source: MISER, calculations by EDR Group. 

Appalachian Regional Commission 100 Global Competitiveness of 

Selected Industries and Clusters in The Appalachian Region
4.2.5 Port Pairings 

Based on the research above, we identified 185 count-to-port pairings (see Table 4-8) and tested 79 by

hypothesizing probable routes from county of production to port. These routes were buttressed with 

findings from interviews with regional manufacturers. The results indicate that routing is heavily oriented 

to interstate highways that bring products on a north-south axis from Appalachia to ports in Michigan, 

New York and Florida, and secondarily east-west to ports in South Carolina, Virginia and Texas. 

Table 4-8. Identified County to Port Routes by Commodity Group

Commodity Group Number of County to Port Routes 

Auto Parts 55 

Electronic Components 36 

Food Processing Machinery 24 

Packaging Machinery 19 

Upholstered Furniture 25 

Wood Furniture 26 

Total 185

The Appalachian Development Highway System (ADHS) feeds into these key interstates—but is not (and 

is not necessarily designed to be) an alternative route (see http://www.arc.gov/index.do?nodeId=1006 for 

maps and data identifying the system and corridors by alphabetical designations assigned by ARC). 

Through interviews with manufacturers and logistics companies, we identified the interstate highways 

that are the backbone of shipments of the six target commodity groups to ports of lading. In Table 4-9, we 

present segments of the ADHS that feeds into these key interstate highways (and one U.S. highway). 

Table 4-9. Key Port Connections in Appalachia. 

Highway Endpoints by State with ADHS Corridors 

Appalachian Counties Direct Indirect

Key Port Connections 

I—95 Georgia to New York M New York City, Miami and Baltimore, connects to

I-26 to Charleston and I-64 to Norfolk 

I-26 North Carolina to South 

Carolina 

W B Charleston, Connects to I-95, Connects to I-81 for 

eventual connections to Buffalo/Niagara Falls and

Champlain. 

I-85 Alabama to Virginia W, A1, A, B, H Norfolk and I-95 to New York and Florida 

I-70 Ohio - Pennsylvania C B/B1, C, 

D 

Connects to I-77 to Lake Erie for eventual 

connection to Detroit and to I-79 for eventual 

connection to Buffalo/Niagara Falls and Champlain 

I-40 Tennessee to North Carolina B, A W, K Connects to I-75 to Detroit, I-26 to Charleston, I-85

and I-95 for eventual connects to NY, Norfolk and 

Florida 

I-81 North Carolina to New York B, T, M

S, Q, H, 

L, N, O, 

U, P, F, 

G, R, I 

Connects to I-90 to Buffalo/Niagara Falls, I-87 to

Champlain, i-26 to Charleston (and from I-26 to I95), I-64 to Norfolk, I80 to New York City

I-77 South Carolina to

Pennsylvania 

D, G, L, 

Q 

B/B1 Connects to I70 and I-26 and I-90 for eventual 

connection to Detroit 

Hwy 321 Tennessee to South Carolina J Connects to I-40, I-20 and I-85 

Note: Other highways mentioned are U.S. Highways 321 and 119. Indirect connection to an Interstate Highway is defined 

as when an ADHS Highway connects to an Interstate through one other Interstate or ADHS highway. 

Source: Telephone Interviews; EDR Group.

Appalachian Regional Commission 101 Global Competitiveness of 

Selected Industries and Clusters in The Appalachian Region
The ADHS system connects to key interstate highways for transporting target commodities to ports. 

Secondly, we tested potential origins and port destinations. Our findings show that the ADHS is 

particularly positioned for the transport of auto parts, semi-conductors, upholstered furniture and wood

furniture (see Table 4-10). Eleven of 66 routes tested in these four sectors use the ADHS. Additional 

development of the ADHS would assist firms that now export packaging machinery and wood furniture, 

by lowering costs of shipments from plant to port. 

Table 4-10. ADHS Highways Identified for Commodity Transportation 

ADHS 

Highway 

Location by State Connections to 

Interstate 

Highways 

Key Port Connections 

J Kentucky to Tennessee at 

the Alabama and Georgia 

borders 

I-75, I-59 I-75 is a direct link to Detroit, connects to I-10 

to Jacksonville and linkage to Miami, and I-81 

for eventual links to New York. I-59 enters 

Texas through Alabama. 

L Intra-West Virginia I-77, I-79 I-77 goes to Lake Erie for eventual connection 

to Detroit and connects to I-26 to Charleston 

and I-64 to Norfolk. I-79 connects to I-90 for 

connections to Buffalo/Niagara Falls, to 

Champlain via I-87 and to Detroit via I-94. 

C Intra-Ohio I-70, I-71 See Table 4-9 or key ports associated with I-70. 

See above for I-77. 

B-1 Intra -Ohio, immediately

south of C 

same as above 

O Pennsylvania Connects to I80 and I-70 See Table 4-9for key ports associated with I-70. 

I-80 connects to New York City. And I-90 for 

eventual connections to Detroit, 

Buffalo/Niagara and Champlain. Connects 

indirectly to I_90 and then to Buffalo/Niagara 

Falls and Detroit 

U Pennsylvania to New

York 

Connects to I80, connects 

with ADHS 

Highway T 

See above for I-80. 

T Lake Erie at the New 

York - Pennsylvania 

border and intra-New 

York 

I-90, I-390, I81, I-87 See Table 4-9 for key ports associated with 

I-81. I-90 connects to Buffalo/Niagara 

\falls and to Detroit via I-94. I-87 connects 

to Champlain. 

Source: Telephone Interviews; Mapquest; EDR Group. 

Sixteen of the 23 corridors of the ADHS have not been completed. In most cases, the level of construction 

is far greater than the portions remaining to be finished. However, the disjunctions, though small, affect 

speed of transport. In some cases, noted below in Table 4-11, corridors in multiple states are complete in 

one state, but not a second jurisdiction. Table 4-11 lists ADHS corridors identified by telephone surveys 

or by routes tested as part of this study that are incomplete. Corridors in bold provide direct connections 

to interstate highways that serve ports or were identified in telephone interviews. Corridors not bold were 

identified as indirect connections to interstate highways between key points of origin of target 

commodities and key ports of lading for those commodities (indirect connection is defined as when an 

Appalachian Regional Commission 102 Global Competitiveness of 

Selected Industries and Clusters in The Appalachian Region
ADHS corridor connects to a key Interstate that goes to a key port through one other Interstate or ADHS 

highway). 

Table 4-11. Incomplete ADHS Links to the Interstate Highway System for Access to Ports 

Corridor State(s) and Location of Gaps 

A TN, GA*

A1 GA

B NC

B1 OH

C OH

D WV, OH*

G WV, KY

H WV

J KY, TN

M PA

O PA

S TN

U PA**

K TN, NC

N PA

R KY***

Note: Corridors G and J are multi-state roadways; the table lists point of gap. 

* Gap is at state border 

** Gap is at corridor T at NY border 

*** Gap is near confluence of corridors G, B and Q 

Source: An Assessment of Intermodal Transportation Plans, Systems, and Activities in the Appalachian Region, 

p.2; sources cited in Tables 4-8 and 4-9. 

4.3 Transportation by Highway and Other Modes 

The Commodity Flow Survey (CFS) and the Freight Analysis Framework (FAF) provide indications of 

how product moves from point of origin to a United States port prior to international export. Both sources 

provide data disaggregated to the state level. The most recent CFS is based on 1997 data and is available 

in three digit detail.64 FAF is based on 1998 data and is in two digit detail. 

For analyzing mode of transport, the CFS is available in three-digit Standard Classification of 

Transported Goods (SCTG) Codes, while FAF is available in two-digit SCTG. The difference allows us, 

through the three-digit CFS, to differentiate “auto parts” commodities from other transportation 

equipment, which is not possible in the two-digit FAF. Moreover, CFS provides modes by both tonnage 

and value, which, which when contrasted, allows for more nuanced examination of modal needs. For 

example, in electronics industries, high-value and low weight goods are often shipped by air or courier 

(which in turn uses air cargo), which means that air services account for a much higher percentage of total 

value of electronics goods shipped than the total percentage of tons. At this time, FAF measures state and

commodity-specific freight shipments by tonnage. FAF, however, is not only a year advanced from CFS, 

but it is considered more accurate than the Survey by federal highway officials, and provides forecasts of 

freight shipments to 2020. Moreover, while CFS purportedly measures all shipments within the United 

 64 An updated CFS was released in December, 2003, which, unfortunately, is too late to be included in this analysis. 

Appalachian Regional Commission 103 Global Competitiveness of 

Selected Industries and Clusters in The Appalachian Region
States, FAF includes a database that measures shipments that are U.S. bound for international export. 

Even at three digit detail, CFS forces a consolidation and rough approximation of several of the targeted 

sectors, particularly wood and upholstered furniture, and food processing and packaging machinery. At 

the three-digit level, the following classifications are used: 

• For auto parts - Parts and accessories for motor vehicles, except motorcycles and armored 

vehicles 

• For food processing machinery and packaging machinery - Other machinery

• For semiconductor and other electronic parts - Electronic components and parts 

• For wood furniture and upholstered furniture - Furniture mattresses and mattress supports, lamps, 

lighting fittings 

Shipments of the targeted commodities from ARC states show a similar profile to national averages. 

When measured by tonnage, roughly 90 percent, goods are shipped from the Region by truck. Table 4-12 

compares mode shipments from ARC to national averages, and also compares mode shipments by 

tonnage to mode shipments by value, both from ARC and nationwide. 

The modal relationships between tonnage shipped and value shipped for auto parts, “other machinery”

and furniture are similar, though slightly a higher percentage of tonnage is shipped by truck (as a single 

mode), and shipments by value show a slightly higher reliance on air (and parcel services) and rail. 

Less than half of the value of electronic components and parts are shipped by truck as a single mode. 

Nationally, nearly 58 percent of value in this sector is shipped by air or parcel service. In ARC states, 

CFS shows that 89 percent of the tonnage and 42 percent of the value is shipped by truck in this 

electronics sector, and a strong emphasis is seen in parcel services for value—this is similar to the 

national profile. 

FAF at the two-digit level also shows an overwhelming use of ground transportation to ship products 

originating in ARC states to ports for international export. As FAF provides mode and commodity

information at the two digit level, the following sectors are used: 

• 25 – Furniture/fixtures for upholstered furniture and wood furniture; 

• 35 – Machinery, except electrical for food processing machinery and packaging machinery. Note, 

this sector includes all non-electrical machinery;

• 36 – Electrical machinery, equipment and supplies. This sector includes finished consumer 

products as well as components; 

• 37 – Transportation Equipment, including fully assembled transportation vehicles and parts for all 

modes. 

Appalachian Regional Commission 104 Global Competitiveness of 

Selected Industries and Clusters in The Appalachian Region
Table 4-12. Mode Splits. Mode splits of shipments from ARC states by tonnage and value of shipment is 

 similar to the U.S. profile.

Tonnage from ARC by percentage $ Value from ARC by percentage 

Modes Other

machinery 

Electronic 

compnts. 

& parts 

Auto 

parts 

Wood &. 

uphstd. 

furniture 

Modes Other

machinery 

Electronic 

compnts. 

& parts 

Auto 

parts 

Wood &. 

uphstd. 

furniture 

Truck 88.3% 88.6% 85.7% 95.4% Truck 74.8% 41.9% 87.2% 93.2%

Rail 0.1% 0.0% 6.9% 0.0% Rail 0.1% 0.0% 2.4% 0.0%

Water 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Water 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0%

Air (includes 

truck and air) 

0.3% 0.9% 0.2% 0.0% Air (includes

truck and 

air) 

1.5% 4.1% 0.8% 0.1%

Parcel, U.S. 

Postal

Service or 

courier 

3.5% 2.2% 1.7% 0.8% Parcel, U.S.

Postal

Service or 

courier 

17.6% 28.3% 5.9% 2.7%

Truck and 

rail 

4.1% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Truck and

rail 

1.7% 0.0% 0.2% 0.0%

Other & 

unknown 

modes 

2.6% 0.3% 1.9% 0.9% Other &

unknown 

modes 

3.4% 0.5% 2.1% 0.9%

Tonnage in USA by percentage $ Value in USA by percentage 

Modes Other

machinery 

Electronic 

compnts. 

& parts 

Auto 

parts 

Wood &. 

uphstd. 

furniture 

Modes Other

machinery 

Electronic 

compnts. 

& parts 

Auto 

parts 

Wood &. 

uphstd. 

furniture 

Truck 87.2 79.9 84.2 93.9 Truck 72.6 35.6 83.6 91.2

Rail 0.7 0.3 9.7 0.8 Rail 0.5 - 3.8 0.4

Water - - - - Water - - - -

Air (includes 

truck and air) 

1 2.4 0.6 0.2 Air (includes

truck and 

air) 

2.7 19.2 1.7 0.6

Parcel, U.S. 

Postal

Service or 

courier 

4.2 8.5 1.6 2 Parcel, U.S.

Postal

Service or 

courier 

18.2 38.5 6.2 4.6

Truck and 

rail 

2 5.8 1.3 0.7 Truck and

rail 

0.8 0.5 1.8 0.5

Other & 

unknown 

modes 

4.9 3.1 2.5 2.4 Other &

unknown 

modes 

5.1 6.1 2.8 2.7

Source: U.S. Commodity Flow Survey. Note the “ARC state” portions of this table are statewide averages among states that 

include ARC counties. 

Roughly 94 to 98 percent of furniture, machinery, and electrical machinery, equipment and supplies are 

transported to ports by truck, as measured by tonnage in 1998 (see Table 4-13). Only transportation 

equipment uses another mode significantly, rail. Although this sector includes transport of fully

assembled automobiles, rail cars and aircraft, along with parts for each industry, the auto parts sector 

shown above in the CFS presents a similar profile to FAF. 

FAF also includes volume and mode projections to 2020, displayed in Table 4-14. The total increase of 

tonnage projected is more than 63 million tons from 21.6 million tons in 1998, an increase of nearly 42 

million tons, nearly tripling base year totals for these four sectors. 

Appalachian Regional Commission 105 Global Competitiveness of 

Selected Industries and Clusters in The Appalachian Region
Table 4-13. Modes of Shipment for Exports. Shipment of tonnage for selected commodities from ARC 

 states shipped for international export is overwhelmingly by highway.

Furniture/fixtures 

Machinery except 

electrical 

Electrical machinery/ 

equipment/supplies 

Transportation 

equipment 

Highway 98% 94% 95% 84%

Air 0% 1% 2% 0% 

Water 0% 0% 0% 0% 

Rail 2% 5% 3% 15%

Source: FAF International Commodity Flows, U.S. Department of Transportation. States refer to whole states 

that include Appalachian counties.

• By mode, 37.2 million of the additional tons (89%) are expected to be transported by highway

and 4.2 million tons (10%) by railroad. Projections in FAF of 2020 flows originating in ARC for 

international shipments in these industries show a similar mode split as 1998. 

• By industry, more than 21 million tons of the increased tonnage is expected to be in 

transportation equipment and almost 13 million of the increase is predicted for the machinery

except electrical sector. 

• Overall tonnage for furniture and fixtures; machinery except electrical; and electrical machinery,

equipment and supplies, are expected to more than triple, while tonnage in the transportation 

equipment sector is forecast to grow by a factor of 2.8. 

Table 4-14. Selected Commodities from ARC States to International Gateways by Tons 

Tons 1998 Forecast 

Tons 2020 

Increased tons 

forecast, 1998-2020 

Forecast Ratio of 

Increase 2020:1998 

Furniture/fixtures 1,343,676 4,125,788 2,782,113 3.07 

Machinery except 

electrical 

 5,843,814 18,496,591 12,652,776 3.17 

Electrical machinery/ 

equipment/supplies 

 2,464,916 7,710,897 5,245,981 3.13 

Transportation equipment 11,948,256 33,057,860 21,109,605 2.77 

Total 21,600,661 63,391,136 41,790,475 2.93 

Note: Totals have been rounded.

Source: FAF International Commodity Flows. 

Figures 4-1 through 4-6 below illustrate the export of the six target commodity groups from Appalachian 

states to key ports on the base maps of FAF international commodity flows. The routing illustrated for 

each commodity group is based on analysis described in Sections 4.1 and 4.2 above and is derived from

MISER, ITA and county-based economic data developed by federal sources and assembled by IMPLAN. 

The maps shown in Figures 4-1 through 4-6 represent routes of exports from the leading state of origin in 

Appalachia (aggregation of Appalachian counties within state borders) to the major state of lading for 

each of the six target commodity groups. Additional maps showing routes from other states are provided 

in an appendix to this chapter.65

 65 Sources for each figure are found in the preceding analysis and FAF. All calculations reported in the figures refer

to the total value of exports for each commodity group. 

Appalachian Regional Commission 106 Global Competitiveness of 

Selected Industries and Clusters in The Appalachian Region
Figure 4-1, Auto Parts & Upholstered Furniture. Exports of auto parts from Tennessee counties 

constitute 22 percent of total exports in this industry from Appalachia, and Tennessee counties also 

account for more than 24 percent of the exports of upholstered furniture from Appalachia. For both 

commodity groups, the primary ports for export from the Region are in Michigan, New York, and 

Florida.

Florida 

New York Michigan 

Figure 4-2, Food Processing Machinery. Pennsylvania accounts for approximately 28 percent of the 

value of food processing machinery exported from the Appalachian region. Key ports for exports are in 

Michigan New York, Maryland, South Carolina, Florida and Texas. 

South Carolina 

New York

Florida

Maryland 

Michigan

Texas 

Appalachian Regional Commission 107 Global Competitiveness of 

Selected Industries and Clusters in The Appalachian Region
Figure 4-3, Packaging Machinery. South Carolina accounts for almost 65 percent of Appalachia’s 

exports of packaging machinery. Major ports of lading are in New York, Florida, Texas, as well as South 

Carolina. 

N

Florida

ew York

Texas 

South Carolina 

Figure 4-4, Electronic Components. Electronics represent the second largest export industry in the 

Appalachian region among the six targeted in this study, and almost 31 percent of the regions total value 

originates in West Virginia. The leading ports of lading for this commodity group are in Michigan, New 

York, and Florida. 

Florida

Michigan

New York

Appalachian Regional Commission 108 Global Competitiveness of 

Selected Industries and Clusters in The Appalachian Region
Figure 4-5, Wood Furniture. North Carolina accounts for approximately 41 percent of Appalachia’s 

exports in wood furniture. The leading ports of lading for wood furniture produced in the Region are in 

New York, Florida and Michigan. 

New York

Michigan

Florida

4.3.1 Highway-Rail Intermodal 

Auto parts is the only commodity group among the six studied that show appreciable goods moved by

rail. Alabama and Tennessee are Appalachia’s leading states in this industry, accounting for more than 42 

percent or $1.5 billion annually of the value of industry exports. In addition, Appalachian counties in four 

0 million), Ohio ($300 million), 

Fiv se fl in

in Alabama an tio erm

and/or Norfolk h ar f the Reg

Appalachian counties that show relative stre auto parts (see Table 4-1

The presence intermodal stations is im tant becaus

f i to parts have intermodal ilities (Detr

and the New York area (facilities are in New Jersey). Intermodal fac

export significant amounts of the target commodities in Appalachia:

At this writing, West Virginia does not host an intermodal facility and this state is the third largest in 

t e value of annual exports of auto parts produced in Appalachia. Two improvements are under 

c

c : an intermodal facility in Pritchard (near ADHS highways B and 

B1, and I-64) and a Columbus-Norfolk double stack route that will provide direct rail connections through

West Virginia to the Port of Norfolk. 

other states export more than $200 million, including West Virginia ($55

Maryland ($277 million) and Georgia ($201 million). 

e of the ven highway-rail intermodal

d two in Tennessee. An addi

outhern railroads, whic

atcar transfer facilities

nal ten cities host int

ated outside o

Appalachia are located in two cities 

odal facilities operated by CSX 

-S e loc ion but in states including 

ngth in exporting 5).

or proximity of por e locations at major ports of lading

or Appalach an-produced au fac oit, Miami, Jacksonville, Buffalo,

ilities are found at other ports that 

Baltimore, Norfolk and Charleston. 

erms of th

onsideration, however, that may support the competitive position of the state’s by reducing transport 

osts of bulk parts shipments to ports

Appalachian Regional Commission 109 Global Competitiveness of 

Selected Industries and Clusters in The Appalachian Region
Table 4-15. Intermodal Facilities Support for Export of Auto Parts 

ities

/

State Value of Auto Parts 

Exports from Appalachia 

(Average 1998-2002) 

Locations of TOFC/ 

COFC Facilities in 

Appalachia 

Locations of Intermodal Facil

Operated by CSX Railroad and

or Norfolk Southern Railroad 

Alabama $727 Million Birmingham (2), -- 

Huntsville 

Georgia $201 Million -- Atlanta (3), Austell, Savannah (2) 

Maryland $277 Million -- Baltimore (2) 

Ohio $300 Million -- Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, 

Toledo 

Tennessee $800 Million Kingsport, Knoxville Memphis (2), Nashville 

West 

Vi n

$550 Million -- -- 

rgi ia

So e n; 

www.c

urc s: An Assessment of Intermodal Transportation Plans, Systems and Activities in the Appalachian Regio

sxi.com and www.nscorp.com. 

4.3.2 Air 

Air transportation is significant for electronic components among the six target industries. Four states, 

West V for almost 74 percent of the value of 

expo rports, of whi

commercial air h D

important conn in Ta

ir accoun for almo of Appalachia’s electronic com orts

37 use air ts, of whic x are commer

sylvania, with a 20 percent share, is the home of Pittsburgh International Airport, the largest 

airport in Appalachia, and Harrisburg International Airport is located just east of the ARC portion 

• Georgia accounts for 13 percent and Hartsfield International Airport in Atlanta—the largest 

al airp

ccess

l

irginia, Pennsylvania, Georgia and Mississippi account

rts from Appalachia for this industry. Together these four states host 367 ai

orts are in Appalachia and A

each of these states (see

ch 37 are 

HS highways serve as

ble 4-16). Among the 

ports. Eig

ectors to s

teen of the c

maller comme

: 

ommercial airp

rcial airports

four major exporting states

• West V

osts

ginia, ting st 31 percent 

h i

ponents exp

h public por s cial.

• Penn

of the Commonwealth. 

commerci ort in the United States is immediately adjacent to the region. 

• Mississippi companies in Appalachia export 11 percent of the value of the region’s electronic

components and as is served by commercial airports in Columbus and Tupelo. 

Table 4-16. Airport Access in Appalachia. ADHS highways play an important role in providing a

 to moderately sized commercial airports in states accounting for a high proportion of value in

 electronic components exported from Appalachia. 

State Total 

Airports 

in State 

Total 

Commercial 

Airports 

Commercial 

Airports in 

Appalachia

Significant Commercial 

Airports Adjacent to 

Appalachia 

ADHS Highways 

Serving Commercia

Airports

West Virginia 37 6 6 B, G, L 

Pennsylvania 138 15 10 Harrisburg M, V, O, P 

Georgia 109 9 Atlanta A/A1

Mississippi 83 7 2 V

Totals 367 37 18 

Sources: and Activities in the Appalachian Region, 

Federal Av

An Assessment of Intermodal Transportation Plans, Systems 

iation Administration, www.AirNav.com.

Appalachian Regional Commission 110 Global Competitiveness of 

Selected Industries and Clusters in The Appalachian Region
CHAP

5.1 indings: The Relationship between Firm Location and Export Patterns

Based o

hypotheses regarding the relationship between access to transportation and patterns of exports within the 

ARC. T

more lik

these hy

ecause ce and hence we

ceived

nge, i.e.,

moving goods east to west in the Appalachian region, export patterns are shaped by whether 

t or west side of the range. That is, we expect different trade patterns for states 

estern portions of the ARC. 

use

rth

HYPOTHESIS 4: There will be little difference in eastern and western patterns of exports to 

Asia. Although the eastern ARC has more direct access to seaports, western ARC firms can more

orts, which have shorter travel times to Asia. 

nsportation. This hypothesis could not be validated by available data. 

lina and Virginia. The states in the western portion (ARCEST) include New York, Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, and West Virginia. Data were gathered on 2002 

S

.1.2 Results

-EAST than ARC-WEST exports for each of the four individual sectors. 

TER 5: FINDINGS, SUMMARY AND POLICY IMPLICATIONS

F

n interviews with manufacturing, trucking, and logistics firms, we developed four working 

hese hypotheses reflect one of the key findings of the interviews conducted, namely, that firms are 

ely to export to those markets more easily reached given the location of the firm. To the extent

potheses are true, firms are more likely to report that transportation infrastructure is adequate: 

b they focus on foreign markets with easy access, they have little experien

re few reports of difficulties in accessing ports for international sales. 

HYPOTHESIS 1: Because of the cost and time required to traverse the Appalachian Ra

states lie on the eas

in the eastern and w

HYPOTHESIS 2: States in the eastern portion of the ARC will export more to Europe beca

of easier access to east coast ports. 

HYPOTHESIS 3: States in the western portion of the ARC will export more within No

America (NAFTA region) because of better direct access to key industrial areas in Canada and 

Mexico. 

easily access West Coast p

HYPOTHESIS 5: Differences in export patterns from Appalachia are minimized with a greater 

reliance on air tra

5.1.1 Methodology

To test these hypotheses, recent export data were compiled for selected states lying east and west of the 

Appalachian Range. The states in the eastern portion (ARC-EAST) include New Jersey, Delaware, 

Maryland, North Carolina and South Caro

W

exports of the following products: Computer and Electronic Products (NAICS 334); Electrical 

Equipment, Appliances, and Components (NAICS 335); Transportation Equipment (NAICS 336); and 

Furniture and Fixtures (NAICS 337); and for comparison purposes, all manufactured products (NAIC

311-339). 

5

Data confirm each of the four hypotheses. As shown in Table 5-1, export patterns differ significantly 

between ARC-EAST and ARC-WEST for each of the four sectors, as well as for all manufacturing. This

confirms Hypothesis 1. 

There is also strong evidence for Hypothesis 2. As shown in Table 5-1, exports to Europe account for a 

greater proportion of ARC

Appalachian Regional Commission 111 Global Competitiveness of 

Selected Industries and Clusters in The Appalachian Region
Across the four sectors, exports to Europe accounted for 31 percent of ARC-EAST but only 22 percent of 

ring as a whole, where the

spective ratios were 31 and 25 percent. 

nce for Hypothesis 3 is very strong. ARC-WEST export AFTA unted for a much 

proportion of exports in each of the four sectors than in ARC-EAST. On average across the four 

of all ARC-WE pared to just 31 

tudy in manufacturing as a 

all m TA accounted for 44

all ARC-WEST but only 30 percent of all ARC-EAST rts.

he data also confirm Hypothesis 4, namely that there would be no large difference in exports to 

ow, exports to A proportion of ARCn ARC-WEST exports in two sectors (NAICS 334 AND ), but a r proportion in the two 

ors (NAICS 335 and 336). Across manufacturing, there ittle di ce in proportion of

shipped to Asia: these exports accounted for 22 percent of all ARC-EAST and 19 percent of 

. Export Patterns from Selected States in the ARC R , 2002

34 – Computer & electronic products ARC-EA

ARC-WEST exports. This differential is slightly greater than for all manufactu

re

The evide s to N acco

higher

sectors, exports to NAFTA accounted for 50 percent 

percent f

ST exports com

or ARC-EAST. The differences in the four s

whole. However, the differential was greater even in

 sectors were great

anufacturing

e

, where NAF

r than

percent of expo

Finally, t

Asia from the two regions. As the data sh sia accounted for a higher

EAST tha

ct

337

w

lowe

other se as l fferen

total exports 

all ARC-WEST exports.

Table 5-1 egion

NAICS 3 ST ARC-WEST

EUROPE 37% 29%

ASIA 31% 28%

NAFTA 20% 33%

NAICS 335 – Elect. Equip., appliances & components ARC-EAST ARC-WEST

EUROPE 28% 24%

ASIA 18% 19%

NAFTA 35% 45%

NAICS 336 – Transportation Equipment ARC-EAST ARC-WEST

EUROPE 43% 23% 

ASIA 9% 12% 

NAFTA 32% 59%

NAICS 337 – Furniture & fixtures ARC-EAST ARC-WEST

EUROPE 18% 14% 

ASIA 17% 7% 

NAFTA 36% 64%

Average of Sectors 334-337 ARC-EAST ARC-WEST

EUROPE 31% 22% 

ASIA 19% 16%

NAFTA 31% 50%

ALL MANUFACTURING ARC-EAST ARC-WEST

EUROPE 31% 25% 

ASIA 22% 19%

NAFTA 30% 44%

Source: MISER. Calculations by EDR Group.

Appalachian Regional Commission 112 Global Competitiveness of 

Selected Industries and Clusters in The Appalachian Region
Relatively little activity is seen in east-west traffic across the Appalachian region for exports from the six 

target industries. Kennedy Airport in New York and Miami International Airport in Florida are much 

more heavily used than airports in Pittsburgh and Atlanta. Similarly, the ports of Detroit, New York, 

Buffalo and Miami are used more intensely for exports of commodities from these six industries than the 

ports of Charleston, Norfolk and Baltimore. 

Companies are located in places from where they can cost-effectively move products to ports that, in turn, 

can transport these commodities to desired international destinations. Access to various ports is hindered 

by gaps in the ADHS because the gaps increase time to key interstate routes. Companies prefer to ship 

though built-up ports which are easily accessible through the federal interstate system, and gaps in the 

ADHS system hinders access to ports (or effectively reduces cost-effective choices when considering 

which ports to use). As location is in part chosen by existing access considerations, gaps along ADHS 

corridors influence business location. Easy and cost effective connections to interstate highways, or the 

lack of the same, influence where firms locate and the economic development of Appalachian counties.66

5.2 Summary and Policy Implications 

Based upon findings from prior ARC studies, analysis of production and trade data, and discussions with 

ETAC representatives, we selected six key industry sectors to serve as the focal point for assessing the 

strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and challenges faced by regional producers and exporters of goods 

and services within the Appalachian Region. The six industry clusters include: auto parts, electronic 

components, wooden household furniture, upholstered household furniture, food processing machinery

and packaging machinery.

Exports represent over $5 billion annually to Appalachian manufacturers in auto parts, electronic 

components, food processing machinery, packaging machinery and wood furniture industries. The auto 

parts industry accounts for more than 65 percent of the value of total exports from Appalachia among the 

six target industries, followed by electronic components, which account for 30 percent. This means that 

any aggregate reporting will tilt towards trends in the auto parts industry. 

For Appalachian exporters of automotive parts, NAFTA economies (Canada and Mexico) present the 

largest export market. Established Western European markets (Germany and Sweden), Asian/Pacific 

(Korea), and Latin American (Argentina) markets also offer good prospects for future growth. Table 5-2 

presents the distribution of Appalachian exports by industry and destination. 

For Appalachian wooden and upholstered household furniture manufacturers, the NAFTA region (Canada 

& Mexico), Germany, Korea, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates represent leading export 

markets.

Europe, Canada, and Asia are leading destinations for U.S. exports of food processing machinery and 

packaging machinery. 

China and Eastern European markets open many dynamic growth opportunities for exporting 

microelectronic components for Appalachian manufacturers. Asian economies such as Taiwan also offer 

opportunities for growth in future demand for U.S.-made microelectronics. 

 66 In addition, though out of the scope of this study, the limitation that ground access places on demand at certain 

ports may limit the development of those ports. 

Appalachian Regional Commission 113 Global Competitiveness of 

Selected Industries and Clusters in The Appalachian Region
Table 5-2. Foreign Markets - Distribution of Appalachian Exports

Motor Food Upholstered Wooden

Vehicle Processing Packaging Electronic Household Household

Destination Parts Machinery Machinery Components Furniture Furniture

frica 0.6% 2.3% 1.4% 0.8% 0.9% 1.3%

ia 11.1% 20.8% 12.5% 30.2% 18.0% 28.4%

ustralia 1.2% 3.2% 3.9% 1.2% 0.9% 0.5%

anada 65.6% 20.6% 26.1% 25.6% 48.9% 42.6%

ntral America 0.2% 3.3% 3.1% 1.4% 3.4% 7.0%

ope 10.3% 32.1% 38.1% 25.7% 22.3% 15.3%

exico 9.5% 8.5% 9.3% 9.9% 3.4% 3.0%

outh America 1.5% 9.3% 5.6% 5.1% 2.2% 1.8%

Appalachian Exports by Industry and Destination

(Percent of Appalachian Industry Exports)

A

As

A

C

Ce

Eur

M

S

Sources: ITA, MISER, U.S. DOC through IMPLAN. Calculations by EDR Group and JFA.

Detroit MI, New York, NY (the port and JFK Airport) and Miami (the port and Miami International 

Airport) are the most import ports of export from Appalachia. Detroit is expected in auto parts, but it is 

also among the top four ports for electronic components, packaging machinery, upholstered furniture, and

wood furniture. For food processing machinery, Detroit and New York City represent the top two ports 

and Miami is eighth. The port of Buffalo-Niagara Falls, NY, also is the point of export of a significant 

amount of goods in all six industries. 

New York City and Buffalo-Niagara Falls are the most important ports in states that include Appalachian 

counties for exporting commodities in the six target industries originating in the Region. Other important 

ports in ARC states for these six commodities, though not located in the Appalachian Region, are 

Charleston, South Carolina (electronic components, food processing machinery, packaging machinery,

wood furniture); Norfolk, Virginia (auto parts, food processing machinery, wood furniture); Baltimore, 

Maryland (auto parts, food processing machinery); Atlanta, Georgia (electronic components); and 

Champlain-Rousse Point, New York (food processing machinery). In addition to the ARC states, exports 

from Appalachian counties are routed though Texas (Laredo and Dallas-Fort Worth) and Jacksonville, 

Florida, and to a lesser extent, California (discovered from interviews). 

For these six industries, transportation of goods from Appalachia to ports of lading is primarily by truck 

to seaports and airports for international export. Trucking volume in tonnage ranges from 86 percent of all 

volume in auto parts to 95 percent in wood and upholstered furniture. Rail transportation is relevant only

in the auto parts industry and air transportation is significant when assessing the value of electronic 

components shipped. 

Rail is important in the auto parts industry, accounting for 7 percent of tonnage shipped within the United 

States from states with Appalachian counties (but just 2 percent of the value shipped from ARC states). If 

the Appalachian average of 2.4 percent based on value is applicable to products shipped for export as well 

as general commodity flows, then rail is responsible for roughly $87 million of the $3.6 billion of auto

parts exported by Appalachian companies. 

Air transportation is important in the electronic components industry. Nationally over 19 percent of the 

value in this sector is shipped within the U.S. by air. About four percent of shipments from ARC states 

are shipped by air, but more than 28 percent of the value of electronic components report using parcel 

Appalachian Regional Commission 114 Global Competitiveness of 

Selected Industries and Clusters in The Appalachian Region
delivery services (which includes truck and air). If the Appalachian average of 4.1 percent based on value 

is applicable to products shipped for export as well as general commodity flows, then air transportation 

accounts for roughly $69 million of the $1.76 billion of electronic components sent to ports by 

Appalachian companies. In addition, $473 million corresponds to the 28.3 percent of the regional value of 

electronic components shipped by parcel services, and a portion of these millions is attributable to air 

cargo. 

Policy Implications 

Analysis and interviews with Appalachian companies have revealed two truths: first, the Interstate 

Highway System works, as it connects the ARC region with major northeast and Florida ship ports and 

airports; and second, companies prefer to ship through built-up ports which are easily accessible through 

the existing highway system at their current location. Very little activity is seen in east-west traffic across 

the Appalachian region for exports from these six industries. Kennedy Airport in New York, and Miami 

International Airport in Florida are much more heavily used than airports in Pittsburgh and Atlanta. 

Similarly, the ports of Detroit, New York, Buffalo and Miami are used more intensely for exports of 

commodities from these six industries than the ports of Charleston, Norfolk and Baltimore. 

Roadways are by far the most important transportation facilities in the ARC region for the six target 

commodities. The importance of the Appalachian Development Highway System (ADHS) is fostering 

connections to Interstate Highways that in turn are connected to major ports of lading for the target 

industries. Secondarily, ADHS provides access to smaller airports in areas that produce a disproportionate 

amount of Appalachia’s electronic components. 

Sixteen ADHS corridors important to international trade in the target industries are in various states of 

partial completion. Thirteen of these corridors provide connections to interstate highways, which, in turn, 

connect Appalachia to key ports for export of the target commodities. If trade was the sole criterion for 

setting priorities among these corridors (and of course it is not) than ARC will need to decide if its 

priority is to reinforce existing use of ports and strengthen ADHS roadway connections to Florida, 

Michigan and New York, or encourage use of ports in ARC states, such as Charleston, Baltimore and the 

Pittsburgh Airport. 

In general, the national transportation system serves the region by providing access to external markets 

and supplies. However, there is some evidence that improving access to the national network through 

completion of key links in the ADHS would provide additional opportunities in the six industries studied 

in this research for expanded output and production locations. Such expansion of opportunities could lead 

to additional employment and a further distribution of economic development within the region. 

Discussions with the target industries in the region indicated that development patterns and logistics 

planning were influenced by the quality and availability of the transportation network. Manufacturers 

sought to reduce total logistics costs by selecting production locations with good network access, utilizing 

intermodal connections when available and cost effective, and by taking advantage of international 

markets. ARC can contribute to this market expansion by identifying and alleviating constraints in the 

transportation network and by improving the highway, rail and waterway transportation systems. 

Appalachian Regional Commission 115 Global Competitiveness of 

Selected Industries and Clusters in The Appalachian Region
APPENDIX A: REGIONAL INDUSTRIAL ANALYSIS 

The first section of Appendix A conducts a growth and shift share analysis of major industry groups in 

each of the 13 Appalachian States for the period 1986 to 2000. By comparing the growth trends in the 

regional industry to the national industry, this analysis helps us identify Appalachian industries with 

strong growth records. 

The second section narrows the analysis and focuses more on individual industries within the 

Appalachian region. Here, we review industry output intensity ratios, employment trends and export 

intensity ratios. 

The average annual growth rate for each industry was calculated utilizing real 1996 GSP (Gross State 

Product) data from the Bureau of Economic Analysis of the Department of Commerce. Industries were 

classified based on their two-digit SIC code. 

A-1: Review of Regional Production Trends 

Alabama 

During the 15-year period spanning from 1986 to 2000, the industrial machinery and electronic 

equipment industries in Alabama recorded double-digit average annual growth rates of 10.24 percent and 

10.53 percent respectively. The manufacture of primary metals and motor vehicles also grew at average 

annual rates of 6.09 percent and 7.09 percent respectively. The apparel industry is the only industry that 

experienced a negative growth rate during the 15-year period. Table A-1 below presents average annual 

growth rates for major two-digit industries in the State of Alabama. 

Table A-1. Two-Digit Analysis for Major Industry Sectors in Alabama 

Two-Digit Industry State Avg Annual Growth Rate U.S. Avg Annual Growth Rate Shift Share 

(1986 - 2000) (1986 - 2000) %State / %U.S.

 Farms 5.33% 3.68% 1.55

 Metal mining 9.90% 7.41% 1.43

 Coal mining 4.22% 5.35% 0.84

 Lumber & wood 1.72% 0.13% 13.55

 Furniture & Fixtures 3.03% 2.27% 1.33

 Primary metals 6.09% 2.08% 3.14

 Fabricated metals 2.98% 2.38% 1.34

 Industrial machinery 10.24% 10.59% 1.04

 Electronic equipment 10.53% 13.84% 0.81

 Motor vehicles 7.09% 2.82% 2.69

 Textile mill products 1.84% 1.13% 1.75

 Apparel & other prod. -1.26% -0.87% 1.55

 Paper products 0.28% 0.31% 0.98

 Chemicals 1.64% 4.28% 0.41

 Rubber & plastics 1.53% 6.16% 0.27

Source: Bureau of Economic Analysis of the Department of Commerce. 

Appalachian Regional Commission 116 Global Competitiveness of 

Selected Industries and Clusters in The Appalachian Region
Georgia 

During the period 1986 to2000, the industrial machinery and electronic equipment industries also had the 

highest average annual growth in Georgia. The manufacture of electronic equipments grew at an average 

annual rate of 12.63 percent while the manufacture of industrial machinery grew at an average annual rate 

of 11.71 percent. The average annual growth rate of industrial machinery in Georgia exceeded the 

national average while the average annual growth rate of electronic equipment was less than the national 

average. 

In Georgia, the manufacture of rubber and plastics also recorded a strong average annual growth rate of 

7.22 percent and exceeded the national average. The manufacture of motor vehicles and farm production 

also posted strong average annual growth rates. Table A-2 below presents average annual growth rates for 

major two-digit industries in the state of Georgia. 

Table A-2. Two-Digit Analysis for Major Industry Sectors in Georgia 

Two-Digit Industry State Avg Annual Growth Rate U.S. Avg Annual Growth Rate Shift Share 

986 - 2000) %State / %U.S.

rms 5.24% 3.68% 1.52

 Lumber & wood 3.92% 0.13% 30.99

Fixtures 2.44% 2.27% 1.07

roducts 2.70% 1.13% 2.57

0.95

6.16% 1.25

(1986 - 2000) (1

 Fa

 Furniture &

 Primary metals 1.17% 2.08% 0.61

 Fabricated metals 2.11% 2.38% 0.95

 Industrial machinery 11.71% 10.59% 1.18

 Electronic equipment 12.63% 13.84% 0.98

 Motor vehicles 4.53% 2.82% 1.72

 Textile mill p

 Apparel & other prod. 0.24% -0.87% -0.29

 Paper products 1.44% 0.31% 4.99

 Chemicals 3.79% 4.28%

 Rubber & plastics 7.22%

ource: Bureau of Economic Analysis of the Department of Commerce. 

a trend similar to that of other Appalachian States, the manufacture of industrial machinery, electronic 

equipment and motor vehicles recorded high average annual growth rates in Kentucky. The manufacture 

of industrial machinery grew at an average annual rate of 8.20 percent, while the manufacture of 

electronic equipment and motor vehicles grew at an average annual rate of 7.01 percent and 8.47 percent 

respectively. 

Two of these industries, industrial machinery and electronic equipment, however grew at average annual 

rates that were less than the national average annual growth rate. The manufacture of motor vehicles 

however grew at a rate three times faster than the national average. 

Kentucky industries focusing on the manufacture of primary metals, fabricated metals, lumber and wood 

products and agricultural produce, all posted strong growth rates. Table A-3 below presents average 

annual growth rates for major two-digit industries in the state of Kentucky. 

S

Kentucky

In

Appalachian Regional Commission 117 Global Competitiveness of 

Selected Industries and Clusters in The Appalachian Region
Table A-3. Two-Digit Analysis for Major Industry Sectors in Kentucky 

Two-Digit Industry State Avg Annual Growth Rate U.S. Avg Annual Growth Rate Shift Share 

(1986 - 2000) (1986 - 2000) %State / %U.S.

 Farms 4.65% 3.68% 1.35

 Coal mining 4.63% 5.35% 0.93

 Lumber & wood 5.15% 0.13% 40.70

 Furniture & Fixtures 4.58% 2.27% 2.01

 Primary metals 6.70% 2.08% 3.46

 Fabricated metals 6.66% 2.38% 2.99

 Industrial machinery 8.20% 10.59% 0.83

 Electronic equipment 7.01% 13.84% 0.54

 Motor vehicles 8.47% 2.82% 3.21

 Textile mill products 6.24% 1.13% 5.93

 Apparel & other prod. 1.75% -0.87% -2.15

 Paper products 3.98% 0.31% 13.77

 Chemicals 3.76% 4.28% 0.94

 Rubber & plastics 5.97% 6.16% 1.04

Source: Bureau of Economic Analysis of the Department of Commerce. 

Maryland 

In Maryland, the average annual growth rates of industrial machinery and electronic equipment continued 

to dominate the manufacturing scene. The manufacture of electronic equipment grew at an annual average 

rate of 9.67 percent while the manufacture of industrial machinery grew at an average annual rate of 8.33 

percent. However, both industries grew at average annual rates that were less than their corresponding 

national average. The manufacture of motor vehicles, apparel and paper products recorded negative 

average annual growth rates during the 1986 to 2000 period. 

Unlike the other states considered thus far, textile mill products recorded a strong average annual growth 

rate in Maryland (7.98 percent). Textile mill products also grew at an average annual rate that was at least 

seven times more than the national average annual growth rate for textile mill products. The manufacture 

of chemicals and plastic products also recorded strong growth rates that exceed the national average 

annual growth rate. Table A-4 below presents average annual growth rates for major two-digit industries 

in the state of Maryland. 

Table A-4. Two-Digit Analysis for Major Industry Sectors in Maryland 

Two-Digit Industry State Avg Annual Growth Rate U.S. Avg Annual Growth Rate Shift Share 

986 - 2000) %State / %U.S.

 Farms 2.56% 3.68% 0.74

 8.23% 5.35% 1.65

0.75

-1.75

 products 7.98% 1.13% 7.59

7% 2.72

0.31% -7.75

Chemicals 5.17% 4.28% 1.29

 Rubber & plastics 5.85% 6.16% 1.02

(1986 - 2000) (1

 Coal mining 

 Lumber & wood 0.10% 0.13% 0.81

 Furniture & Fixtures 1.23% 2.27% 0.54

 Primary metals 0.24% 2.08% 0.13

 Fabricated metals 2.92% 2.38% 1.31

 Industrial machinery 8.33% 10.59% 0.84

 Electronic equipment 9.67% 13.84%

 Motor vehicles -4.60% 2.82%

 Textile mill

 Apparel & other prod. -2.22% -0.8

 Paper products -2.24%

 

Source: Bureau of Economic Analysis of the Department of Commerce. 

Appalachian Regional Commission 118 Global Competitiveness of 

Selected Industries and Clusters in The Appalachian Region
Mississippi 

During the 1986 to 2000 period, the manufacture of industrial machinery had the highest average annual 

growth rate in the state of Mississippi—11.7 percent. The electronic equipment and motor vehicle 

industries also recorded strong average annual growth rates of 8.95 percent and 6.83 percent respectively. 

The manufacture of lumber and wood products in Miss ppi grew twelve times faster than the national, 

while the apparel industry experienced a negative average annual growth. Table A-5 below presents 

average annual growth rates and shift share estimates for major two-digit industries in the state of 

Mississippi. 

Table A-5. Two-Digit Analysis for Major Industry Sectors in Mississippi 

issi

Two-Digit Industry State Avg Annual Growth Rate U.S. Avg Annual Growth Rate Shift Share 

(1986 - 2000) (1986 - 2000) %State / %U.S.

 Farms 5.55% 3.68% 1.62

 Lumber & wood 1.56%

 Furniture & Fixtures 4.26%

0.13% 12.33

2.27% 1.87

Primary metals 4.47% 2.08% 2.30

tals 1.88% 2.38% 0.84

achinery 11.70% 10.59% 1.18

2.59

7

1.79

% 0.31% 4.91

Chemicals 5.79% 4.28% 1.45

1.30

 

 Fabricated me

 Industrial m

 Electronic equipment 8.95% 13.84% 0.69

 Motor vehicles 6.83% 2.82%

 Textile mill products 2.71% 1.13% 2.5

 Apparel & other prod. -1.46% -0.87%

 Paper products 1.42

 

 Rubber & plastics 7.51% 6.16%

ew York 

The manufacture of industrial machinery and electronic equipment again had the highest average annual 

growth rates (8.06 percent and 10.11 percent respectively). Both industries however grew at average 

annual rates that were less than the national average. The chemical industry and the rubber and plastics 

industry experienced positive growth rates (2.17 percent and 4.34 percent respectively) but grew at 

considerably lesser rates than the national average. 

During the 1986 to 2000 period, seven industries including the manufacture of lumber and wood, 

furniture and fixtures, primary metals, motor vehicles, apparel, textile and paper products experienced 

negative average annual growth rates. Table A-6 below presents average annual growth rates and shift 

share estimates for major two-digit industries in the state of New York. 

Source: Bureau of Economic Analysis of the Department of Commerce. 

N

Appalachian Regional Commission 119 Global Competitiveness of 

Selected Industries and Clusters in The Appalachian Region
Table A-6. Two-Digit Analysis for Major Industry Sectors in New York 

Two-Digit Industry State Avg Annual Growth Rate U.S. Avg Annual Growth Rate Shift Share 

986 - 2000) %State / %U.S.

 Farms 2.29% 3.68% 0.67

0.30% 7.41% 0.04

72

5

.82

0.78

8

0

0.31% -1.62

Chemicals 2.17% 4.28% 0.54

% 0.75

(1986 - 2000) (1

 Metal mining 

 Lumber & wood -0.72% 0.13% -5.

 Furniture & Fixtures -0.37% 2.27% -0.16

 Primary metals -1.55% 2.08% -0.80

 Fabricated metals 0.55% 2.38% 0.2

 Industrial machinery 8.06% 10.59% 0

 Electronic equipment 10.11% 13.84%

 Motor vehicles -0.10% 2.82% -0.04

 Textile mill products -2.19% 1.13% -2.0

 Apparel & other prod. -2.93% -0.87% 3.6

 Paper products -0.47%

 

 Rubber & plastics 4.34% 6.16

ource: Bureau of Economic Analysis of the Department of Commerce. 

North Carolina 

In a trend that is becoming quite consistent amongst Appalachian states, the manufacture of industrial 

machinery and electronic equipment again experienced the highest average annual growth rates in North 

Carolina. The industrial machinery industry grew at an average annual rate of 13.09 percent, exceeding 

the national average by more than three percent. The manufacture of electronic equipment grew at an 

average annual rate of 12.06 percent but it did not exceed the national average rate. 

Agricultural production, chemical production and motor vehicle production all recorded strong average 

annual growth rates in North Carolina. Table A-7 below presents average annual growth rates and shift 

share estimates for major two-digit industries in the state of North Carolina. 

Table A-7. Two-Digit Analysis for Major Industry Sectors in North Carolina 

S

Two-Digit Industry State Avg Annual Growth Rate U.S. Avg Annual Growth Rate Shift Share 

(1986 - 2000) (1986 - 2000) %State / %U.S.

 Farms 6.42% 3.68% 1.87

 Lumber & wood 0.67% 0.13% 5.28

 Furniture & Fixtures 1.15% 2.27% 0.50

 Primary metals 4.45% 2.08% 2.30

 Fabricated metals 4.06% 2.38% 1.83

 Industrial machinery 13.09% 10.59% 1.32

 Electronic equipment 12.06% 13.84% 0.93

 Motor vehicles 5.85% 2.82% 2.22

 Textile mill products 0.10% 1.13% 0.10

 Apparel & other prod. -0.83% -0.87% 1.01

 Paper products 0.02% 0.31% 0.08

 Chemicals 6.77% 4.28% 1.70

 Rubber & plastics 5.48% 6.16% 0.95

Source: Bureau of Economic Analysis of the Department of Commerce. 

Appalachian Regional Commission 120 Global Competitiveness of 

Selected Industries and Clusters in The Appalachian Region
Ohio 

In Ohio, all major two-digit industries experienced positive average annual growth rates with the 

exception of the apparel industry. As observed in previous states examined, the manufacture of industrial 

machinery and electronic equipment witnessed the highest average annual growth rates. Both industries 

however grew at rates less than the national average. The average annual growth rate for lumber and 

wood production was 30 times higher than the national average. Table A-8 below presents average annual 

growth rates and shift share estimates for major two-digit industries in the state of Ohio. 

Table A-8. Two-Digit Analysis for Major Industry Sectors in Ohio 

Two-Digit Industry State Avg Annual Growth Rate U.S. Avg Annual Growth Rate Shift Share 

986 - 2000) %State / %U.S.

rms 3.85% 3.68% 1.12

 Coal mining 4.31% 5.35% 0.86

 4.79% 0.13% 37.84

5

0.74

es 1.80% 2.82% 0.68

0.87

 Rubber & plastics 4.19% 6.16% 0.73

(1986 - 2000) (1

 Fa

 Lumber & wood 

 Furniture & Fixtures 3.49% 2.27% 1.53

 Primary metals 1.34% 2.08% 0.69

 Fabricated metals 1.77% 2.38% 0.79

 Industrial machinery 8.45% 10.59% 0.8

 Electronic equipment 9.61% 13.84%

 Motor vehicl

 Textile mill products 3.71% 1.13% 3.53

 Apparel & other prod. -3.35% -0.87% 4.11

 Paper products 0.48% 0.31% 1.68

 Chemicals 3.48% 4.28%

Source: Bureau of Economic Analysis of the Department of Commerce. 

Pennsylvania 

The manufacturers of industrial machinery and electronic equipment also recorded strong growth rates in 

Pennsylvania. The manufacture of industrial machinery grew at an average annual rate of 8.06 percent but 

did not exceed the national average for industrial machinery. The manufacture of electronic equipment 

grew at an average annual rate of 13.17 percent and exceeded the national average for electronic 

equipments. 

Coal mining, chemical production and plastics production also recorded strong average annual growth 

rates that exceeded the corresponding national average. Table A-9 below presents average annual growth 

rates and shift share estimates for major two-digit industries in the state of Pennsylvania. 

Appalachian Regional Commission 121 Global Competitiveness of 

Selected Industries and Clusters in The Appalachian Region
Table A-9. Two-Digit Analysis for Major Industry Sectors in Pennsylvania 

Two-Digit Industry State Avg Annual Growth Rate U.S. Avg Annual Growth Rate Shift Share 

(1986 - 2000) (1986 - 2000) %State / %U.S.

 Farms 3.16% 3.68% 0.92

 Coal mining 5.54% 5.35% 1.11

 Lumber & wood 1.89% 0.13% 14.92

 Furniture & Fixtures 1.04% 2.27% 0.46

 Primary metals 1.15% 2.08% 0.59

 Fabricated metals 1.88% 2.38% 0.84

 Industrial machinery 8.60% 10.59% 0.87

 Electronic equipment 13.17% 13.84% 1.02

 Motor vehicles -0.42% 2.82% -0.16

 Textile mill products 1.96% 1.13% 1.86

 Apparel & other prod. -2.63% -0.87% 3.22

 Paper products 0.92% 0.31% 3.17

 Chemicals 6.93% 4.28% 1.73

 Rubber & plastics 6.85% 6.16% 1.19

Source: Bureau of Economic Analysis of the Department of Commerce. 

South Carolina 

Metal mining grew at an annual average rate of 47.2 percent in South Carolina. This is six times higher 

than the national average annual growth rate for metal mining. The manufacture of industrial machinery,

electronic equipment and motor vehicles also recorded double digit average annual growth rates in South 

Carolina. The motor vehicle industry grew at an average annual rate of 17.16 percent, growing eight times 

faster than the national industry. The manufacture of lumber and wood products and textile products all 

recorded negative growth rates. Table A-10 below presents average annual growth rates and shift share 

estimates for major two-digit industries in the state of South Carolina. 

Table A-10. Two-Digit Analysis for Major Industry Sectors in South Carolina 

Two-Digit Industry State Avg Annual Growth Rate U.S. Avg Annual Growth Rate Shift Share 

986 - 2000) %State / %U.S.

 Farms 6.93% 3.68% 2.02

 Metal mining 47.20% 7.41% 6.83

 Lumber & wood -0.27% 0.13% -2.13

 Furniture & Fixtures 1.84% 2.27% 0.81

 Primary metals 2.37% 2.08% 1.22

 Fabricated metals 3.86% 2.38% 1.74

 Industrial machinery 13.54% 10.59% 1.37

 Electronic equipment 12.03% 13.84% 0.93

 Motor vehicles 17.16% 2.82% 6.52

 Textile mill products -0.06% 1.13% -0.06

 Apparel & other prod. -3.54% -0.87% 4.34

 Paper products 1.58% 0.31% 5.48

 Chemicals 0.15% 4.28% 0.04

 Rubber & plastics 8.21% 6.16% 1.43

(1986 - 2000) (1

Source: Bureau of Economic Analysis of the Department of Commerce. 

Appalachian Regional Commission 122 Global Competitiveness of 

Selected Industries and Clusters in The Appalachian Region
Tennessee 

During the period 1986 to 2000, the manufacture of primary metals increased by an average annual rate of 

9.21 percent in Tennessee, while the manufacture of rubber and plastics grew at an average annual rate of 

5.74 percent. Again, as observed in other Appalachian states, the manufacture of industrial machinery and 

electronic equipment recorded the highest growth rates. Table A-11 below presents average annual 

growth rates and shift share estimates for major two-digit industries in the state of Tennessee. 

Table A-11. Two-Digit Analysis for Major Industry Sectors in Tennessee 

Two-Digit Industry State Avg Annual Growth Rate U.S. Avg Annual Growth Rate Shift Share 

(1986 - 2000) (1986 - 2000) %State / %U.S.

 Farms 2.58% 3.68% 0.75

 Metal mining 5.19% 7.41% 0.75

 Coal mining 0.03% 5.35% 0.01

 Lumber & wood 1.62% 0.13% 12.79

 Furniture & Fixtures 0.89% 2.27% 0.39

 Primary metals 9.21% 2.08% 4.75

 Fabricated metals 1.95% 2.38% 0.88

 Industrial machinery 10.67% 10.59% 1.08

 Electronic equipment 11.87% 13.84% 0.92

 Motor vehicles 10.79% 2.82% 4.10

 Textile mill products 1.59% 1.13% 1.51

 Apparel & other prod. -3.74% -0.87% 4.58

 Paper products 0.08% 0.31% 0.26

 Chemicals 2.35% 4.28% 0.59

 Rubber & plastics 5.74% 6.16% 1.00

Source: Bureau of Economic Analysis of the Department of Commerce. 

Virginia 

The manufacture of industrial machinery and motor vehicles had the highest average annual growth rates 

in Virginia. The manufacture of industrial machinery grew at an average annual rate of 12.65 percent and 

exceeded the national average for industrial machinery. The manufacture of motor vehicles increased at 

an average annual rate of 10.97 percent, which was four times higher than the national average. The 

manufacture of rubber and plastics also grew at an impressive average annual rate of seven percent and 

exceeded the national average annual growth rate for rubber and plastics by 21 percent. With the 

exception of apparel manufacturers and textile mill products, no industry in Virginia experienced a 

negative growth rate. Table A-12 below presents average annual growth rates and shift share estimates for 

major two-digit industries in the State of Virginia. 

Appalachian Regional Commission 123 Global Competitiveness of 

Selected Industries and Clusters in The Appalachian Region
Table A-12. Two-Digit Analysis for Major Industry Sectors in Virginia 

Two-Digit Industry State Avg Annual Growth Rate U.S. Avg Annual Growth Rate Shift Share 

986 - 2000) %State / %U.S.

 Farms 3.59% 3.68% 1.04

 8.89% 7.41% 1.29

0.65

28

07

9

4.28% 0.39

1.22

(1986 - 2000) (1

 Metal mining

 Coal mining 3.26% 5.35%

 Lumber & wood 0.52% 0.13% 4.11

 Furniture & Fixtures -0.45% 2.27% -0.20

 Primary metals 4.45% 2.08% 2.30

 Fabricated metals 1.27% 2.38% 0.57

 Industrial machinery 12.65% 10.59% 1.

 Electronic equipment 6.11% 13.84% 0.47

 Motor vehicles 10.97% 2.82% 4.17

 Textile mill products -1.12% 1.13% -1.

 Apparel & other prod. -4.07% -0.87% 4.9

 Paper products 0.07% 0.31% 0.25

 Chemicals 1.56%

 Rubber & plastics 7.00% 6.16%

West Virginia 

West Virginia is the only state in Appalachia where the manufacture of industrial machinery and 

electronic equipment did not record the highest average annual growth rates. Metal mining, motor vehicle 

and rubber and plastics recorded the highest average annual growth rates. Metal mining grew at an 

average annual rate of 15 percent while motor vehicles and rubber and plastics grew at an average annual 

rate of 13.29 percent and 11.02 percent respectively. The average annual growth rate in all three West 

Virginia industries exceeded their corresponding national average growth rate. The manufacture of 

lumber and wood products also recorded a strong average annual growth rate. The manufacture of wood 

and lumber products grew at an average annual rate of 6.26 percent, and grew 40 times faster than the 

national average annual growth rate for lumber and wood products. Again, the manufacture of apparel 

recorded a negative growth rate. Table A-13 below presents average annual growth rates and shift share 

estimates for major two-digit industries in the state of West Virginia. 

Table A-13. Two-Digit Analysis for Major Industry Sectors in West Virginia

Source: Bureau of Economic Analysis of the Department of Commerce. 

Two-Digit Industry State Avg Annual Growth Rate U.S. Avg Annual Growth Rate Shift Share 

986 - 2000) %State / %U.S.

 Farms 1.43% 3.68% 0.42

15.00% 7.41% 2.17

1.09

0.30

1.44

10.59% 0.78

13.84% 0.52

r vehicles 13.29% 2.82% 5.04

1.13% 5.24

-0.87% 4.53

 Paper products 3.40% 0.31% 11.76

 Chemicals 2.57% 4.28% 0.64

 Rubber & plastics 11.02% 6.16% 1.92

(1986 - 2000) (1

 Metal mining 

 Coal mining 5.46% 5.35%

 Lumber & wood 6.26% 0.13% 49.50

 Furniture & Fixtures 4.46% 2.27% 1.96

 Primary metals 0.57% 2.08%

 Fabricated metals 3.21% 2.38%

 Industrial machinery 7.68%

 Electronic equipment 6.71%

 Moto

Textile mill products 5.51%

 Apparel & other prod. -3.69%

Source: Bureau of Economic Analysis of the Department of Commerce. 

Appalachian Regional Commission 124 Global Competitiveness of 

Selected Industries and Clusters in The Appalachian Region
Appalachian States 

are analysis for major industries in all 13 Appalachian states

ombined. Industries with positive growth rates, but shift share ratios below one, have more opportunities 

Chart A-1 below presents a shift sh

c

for future growth since they are currently performing below the national average. Examples of such 

industries include electronic equipment, chemicals, coal mining and furniture and fixtures. 

Chart A-1. Shift Share Analysis for Major Industries in Appalachia 

1.20

2.08

0.89

16.54

 Farms

 Metal mining

 Coal mining

 Lumber & wood

0.93

1.61

1.21

1.03

0.78

2.38

2.27

Furniture & Fixtures

 Primary metals

 Fabricated metals

 Industrial machinery

 Electronic equipment

 Motor vehicles

. Textile mill prod

Two-Digit Industries

2.61

2.92

1.08

2.00 4.00 6.00 8.00 10.00 12.00 14.00 16.00 18.00

d

 Paper products

 Rubber & plastics

Avg. Annual Growth Rate

 Chemicals 0.89

. Apparel & other pro

0.00

Source: Bureau of Economic Analysis of the Department of Commerce. 

Appalachian Regional Commission 125 Global Competitiveness of 

Selected Industries and Clusters in The Appalachian Region
A-2: Industry Analysis 

This section conducts an analysis of major industry groups in the Appalachian region. The analysis will 

assist in identifying key industry sectors that will serve as the focal point in later analyses. The Gross 

State Product data used were obtained from the Bureau of Economic Analysis of the Department of 

Commerce while import/export/ trade data were obtained from the International Trade and Economic 

Statistics segment of Export.Gov (the U.S. Government Export Portal).67 

Industrial Machinery

Industry Overview 

The industrial machinery industry is a major industrial group defined by the two-digit SIC code 35. It 

includes a diverse body of establishments engaged in manufacturing engines and turbines; farm and 

garden machinery; elevators and conveying equipment; construction, mining and oil field machinery;

machinery; pumps, roller 

earings, compressors and power transmissions for industrial machines; computer and peripheral 

quipment and office machinery.

68 Within the Appalachian region, manufacturers of industrial machinery

eville-Spartanburg metropolitan area of South Carolina in the Johnstown and 

ittsburgh, Pennsylvania area. 

s

n

e

region.

While the industrial machinery industry is a leading and important element of the Appalachian region’s 

onomies of Appalachian states is still

elow the national average—implying that there is room for expansion. Table A-14 presents output 

tensity indices for the industrial machinery sector in Appalachian states. It compares the industry’s 

l below the

ational average.

 

manufacture of metalworking, textile, woodworking, paper and printing

b

e

are clustered in the Green

P

The industrial machinery industry in Appalachia is a well-established, technology intensive sector that i

dominated by small and mid-size firms. A study commissioned by the Appalachian Regional Commissio

(ARC) identified the industrial machinery sector as one of the three industries (value-chains) with th

strongest evidence of localized clustering within the Appalachian

Output Intensity Analysis 

manufacturing sector, the contribution of the industry to the ec

b

in

impact on the local economy to the industry’s impact on the national economy. 

Relative to the national economy, the industrial machinery sector has had a greater impact on the 

economies of Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina and Tennessee. The output 

intensity index for all Appalachian states however shows that the region is performing wel

n

gement and Budget, 1987. 

67

 http://www.export.gov/trandestatistics.html 68 Standard Industrial Classification Manual, U.S. Office of Mana

Appalachian Regional Commission 126 Global Competitiveness of 

Selected Industries and Clusters in The Appalachian Region
Table A-14. Machinery Industry Output Intensity Indices 

Two-Digit Industry State Industry / State GSP U.S. Industry / U.S. GSP Output Intensity

(1986 - 2000) (1986 - 2000) %State / %U.S. 

Alabama 

Georgia 

1.31% 1.64% 0.80

0.76% 1.64% 0.47

1.94% 1.64% 1.18

0.59% 1.64% 0.36

i 1.40% 1.64% 0.85

0.64

1.72

1.01

4% 1.54

1.03

8

5

01

Output Intensity Analysis for the Industral Machinery Group 

Kentucky 

Maryland 

Mississipp

New York 1.06% 1.64%

North Carolina 2.17% 1.64% 1.32

Ohio 2.82% 1.64%

Pennsylvania 1.66% 1.64%

South Carolina 2.53% 1.6

Tennessee 1.68% 1.64%

Virginia 0.62% 1.64% 0.3

West Virginia 0.57% 1.64% 0.3

Appalachia 0.01% 1.64% 0.

achinery exports from Appalachian states decreased from $22.1 billion in 1997 to $22.0 billion in 2001 

(see Table A-15). The observed decline in national and regional export sales has been attributed to the 

recession in many foreign markets and a weak global demand. For example, U.S. cutting tool exports to 

Japan declined by 62 percent from 1997 to 1999. Despite the decline in exports, Appalachian states 

maintained their share of national industrial machinery exports. 

tates 

Source: Bureau of Economic Analysis of the U.S. Department of Commerce. 

Export Growth Trends

M

Table A-15. Industrial Machinery Exports from Appalachian S

1997 1998 1999 2000 2001

Appalachia States Exports 22,126,177 20,566,075 20,063,677 22,013,743 21,278,642

United States Exports 82,874,444 79,444,590 76,388,334 89,842,641 81,512,646

App Exports. / U.S. Exports 26.70% 25.89% 26.27% 24.50% 26.10%

Industrial Machinery Exports (000,dollars)

mic Statistics (Export.Gov). 

As the global economy recovers and import demand improves, industrial machinery export sales are 

expected to rebound. Especially since prior to the recession in the late 1990s, foreign demand grew much 

faster than domestic demand. China's admittance into the WTO could create an opportunity for increased 

U.S. industrial machinery exports over the medium- and long-term, while exports to Canada and Mexico 

should wax stronger as the economic integration of the three NAFTA markets continues. 

Appalachian states are particularly strong in the following industry sub-sectors: food processing 

machinery, packaging machinery, textile machinery, metal working machinery, wood working, machine 

tools and the general components industry. However, Appalachian firms would need to incorporate new 

production techniques and develop higher valued products in order to penetrate new markets and expand 

sales to existing markets. 

Source: International Trade and Econo

Appalachian Regional Commission 127 Global Competitiveness of 

Selected Industries and Clusters in The Appalachian Region
Traditional markets for U.S. exports are Japan, Canada, Europe, and Mexico. The Department of 

ommerce projects that Argentina, Brazil, India, and Turkey offer the greatest potentials for future export 

growth. 

rowth and Export Prospects for Industrial Machinery 

he industrial machinery sector in Appalachia appears to have good potential for further export

-digit SIC code 24. It includes 

stablishments engaged in manufacturing mainly wood or wood related finished products.69

Establishments producing furniture and fixtures are not included in this group. 

The Appalachian region is one of the leading production areas of lumber and hardwood products in the 

U.S. On average, the lumber and wood industry in Appalachian states account for 39 percent of total 

national production. Table A-16 presents national and regional data for the lumber and wood products 

industry. Industry average annual growth rates are particularly strong in the states of Georgia, Kentucky,

Ohio and West Virginia. 

Table A-16. Lumber and Wood Manufacturing Industry Data 

C

G

T

development.

Lumber and Wood Products 

Industry Overview 

The lumber and wood products industry group is defined by the two

establishments engaged in cutting timber and pulpwood; merchant sawmills, lath mills, shingle mills, 

veneer mills and plywood mills engaged in producing lumber and wood related products; and 

e

1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000

Appalachia States Prod. 15,810 15,601 15,498 15,914 16,812 17,024

United States Prod. 41,588 39,922 39,532 40,096 42,969 44,130

Appalachia GSP 2,477,567 2,559,208 2,665,176 2,802,466 2,913,662 3,036,268

App Prod. / U.S. Prod. 38% 39% 39% 40% 39% 39%

Manufacture of Wood Products, GSP Data (Millions of dollars)

Source: Bureau of Economic Analysis of the Department of Commerce. 

Output Intensity Analysis 

Table A-17 presents the lumber and wood products output intensity indices for Appalachian states and the 

U.S. When compared to the impact of the industry on the national economy, the output intensity index for 

the region (1.56) indicates that the wood and lumber products industry is more important to the 

economies of Appalachian states. 

 69 Standard Industrial Classification Manual, U.S. Office of Management and Budget, 1987. 

Appalachian Regional Commission 128 Global Competitiveness of 

Selected Industries and Clusters in The Appalachian Region
Table A-17. Lumber and Wood Products Output Intensity Indices 

Two-Digit Industry State Industry / State GSP U.S. Industry / U.S. GSP Location Quotient

(1986 - 2000) (1986 - 2000) %State / %U.S. 

Alabama 1.86% 0.60% 3.08

Georgia 1.07% 0.60% 1.77

Kentucky 0.59% 0.60% 0.98

Maryland 0.14% 0.60% 0.24

Mississippi 2.88% 0.60% 4.77

New York 0.12% 0.60% 0.20

North Carolina 1.04% 0.60% 1.72

Ohio 0.46% 0.60% 0.77

Pennsylvania 0.55% 0.60% 0.92

South Carolina 0.98% 0.60% 1.63

Tennessee 0.75% 0.60% 1.24

Virginia 0.72% 0.60% 1.19

West Virginia 1.10% 0.60% 1.82

Appalachia 0.94% 0.60% 1.56

Output Intensity Analysis for the Lumber and Wood Products Industry Group 

Source: Bureau of Economic Analysis of the U.S. Department of Commerce. 

Export Growth Trends

able A-18 below shows the trend in lumber and wood product exports for Appalachian states and the 

.S. For all Appalachian states, lumber and wood product exports declined from $1.7 billion in 1997 to 

$1.4 billion in 2001—a 21 percent decline. The southern Appalachian states of Georgia, Mississippi, and 

greatest decline in lumber and wood products exports. Canada and 

estern Europe have traditionally been the leading market for U.S. wood products. New markets are 

xico and the Far East. 

nt.

T

U

South Carolina experienced the

W

been exploited in Me

Growth and Export Prospects for Lumber and Wood Products

The lumber and wood products industry appears to offer good potentials for future export developme

Appalachian Regional Commission 129 Global Competitiveness of 

Selected Industries and Clusters in The Appalachian Region
Table A-18. Lumber and Wood Products Exports from Appalachian States

States

$ Value 000,

1997

$ Value 000,

1998

$ Value 000,

1999

$ Value 000,

2000

$ Value 000,

2001

% change % 

Change 

1997 to 200

Alabama 134,658 123,464 133,420 135,597 84,434 -37.3

Georgia 252,725 175,832 148,587 144,888 112,296 -55.57

Kentucky 49,870 44,301 54,466 45,901 45,957 -7.85

Maryland 28,296 24,927 27,596 28,481 25,842 -8

Mississi

1

.67

ppi 52,229 42,308 27,786 32,997 23,467 -55.07

k 283,097 256,395 370,826 327,202 246,026 -13.09

190,853 182,267 197,340 183,939 154,011 -19.3

hio 145,475 146,668 170,204 194,944 167,046 14.83

-23.12

69

18.8

.17

1,711,546 1,700,653 1,353,808 -21.31

. 5,522,914 4,651,097 4,858,671 5,021,876 4,099,436 -25.77

Lumber and Wood Product Exports from Appalachia States

New Yor

North Carolina 

O

Pennsylvania 294,085 267,259 290,349 294,266 226,094

South Carolina 52,553 52,399 45,194 37,780 29,594 -43.

Tennessee 70,554 59,240 63,637 69,017 57,290 -

Virginia 108,708 92,220 108,634 121,759 109,929 1.12

West Virginia 57,381 54,151 73,507 83,882 71,822 25

Appalachia 1,720,484 1,521,431

U.S

Chemicals and Plastics 

Industry Overview 

The chemical and plastics industry group is defined by the two-digit SIC codes 28 and 30. It includes 

establishments manufacturing basic chemicals such as acids, alkalies, salts, and organic chemicals; 

chemical products such as synthetic fibers, plastics materials, dry colors and pigments; and finished 

chemical products such as drugs, cosmetics, fertilizers, explosives and soaps. 

The U.S. chemical industry is the world’s largest, accounting for 23 percent of world production. 

According to the ARC-commissioned study prepared by Feser et al (2002),70 sub-regional concentrations 

of chemicals and plastics employment are prevalent in a large number of locations in Appalachia. These 

include: the Pittsburgh area, central and eastern Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Southern Ohio, northern 

Tennessee, the Carolinas and central Alabama. The study also identified the chemicals and plastics 

industry as one of the three industries with the strongest evidence of localized clustering within the 

Appalachian region. Exhibit A-1 below presents a breakdown of chemical industry employment by

Appalachian state. 

 

Source: International Trade and Economic Statistics (Export.Gov). 

70 Regional Technology Assets and Opportunities: The Geographic Clustering of High-Tech Industry, Science and 

Innovation in Appalachia, August 2002, pg. 18. 

Appalachian Regional Commission 130 Global Competitiveness of 

Selected Industries and Clusters in The Appalachian Region
Exhibit A-1: Distribution of Total Appalachian Chemical Industry Employment (1995 to 2001)

Alabama

3%

Georgia 

5% Kentucky

4%

North Carolina

15%

Ohio

14%

Pennsylvania

21%

South Carolina 

6%

Tennessee 

6%

Virginia

6%

West Virginia

4% Maryland

3%

Mississippi

2%

New York

11%

Source: Bureau of Economic Analysis of the U.S. Department of Commerce. 

N

a

ational chemical industry employment increased from 1.052 million in 1995 to 1.054 million in 2000—

hand, chemical industry employment in Appalachian 

24 in 1995 to 409,181 in 2000—a decrease of three percent. In general, the 

d manufacture subThe output intensity index for all Appalachian states (1.46) implies that the contribution of the chemical 

industry sector to the local economy exceeds the contribution of the industry to the national economy. As 

such, the chemicals industry is relatively more important to states in the Appalachian region. 

marginal increase of 0.26 percent. On the other 

states declined from 423,7

chemicals industry is not labor intensive and does not generate many new jobs over time. Although some

plants employ over a thousand people, most large plants employ between 200 and 500 people. Medium

sized plants employ about 200 people, while smaller and specialty chemical plants employ about 50

people. 

Output Intensity Analysis 

Most manufacturers in Appalachia are concentrated in the plastics industry an

assembly plastic products for large equipment manufacturers. Table A-19 below presents the relative 

contribution of the chemical and plastics industry to Appalachian state economies. Specifically, the 

chemicals industry contributes more to the economies of Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, 

Tennessee and West Virginia. Some of these states were earlier identified as states with evidence of 

significant chemical and plastics clustering activities. 

Appalachian Regional Commission 131 Global Competitiveness of 

Selected Industries and Clusters in The Appalachian Region
Table A-19. Chemicals and Plastics Output Intensity Indices for Appalachian States

Two-Digit Industry State Industry / State GSP U.S. Industry / U.S. GSP Location Quotient

(1986 - 2000) (1986 - 2000) %State / %U.S. 

0.96

1.94% 0.61

1.94% 0.85

1.94% 0.59

1.94% 1.65

uth Carolina 4.96% 1.94% 2.55

Tennessee 2.97% 1.94% 1.53

1.94% 0.92

st Virginia 7.44% 1.94% 3.83

2.84% 1.94% 1.46

Output Intensity Analysis for the Chemical and Related Products Industry Group 

Alabama 1.87% 1.94%

Georgia 1.35% 1.94% 0.70

Kentucky 2.44% 1.94% 1.26

Maryland 1.18%

Mississippi 1.66%

New York 1.15%

North Carolina 4.19% 1.94% 2.16

Ohio 2.72% 1.94% 1.40

Pennsylvania 3.19%

So

Virginia 1.79%

We

Appalachia

omic Analysis of the U.S. Department of Commerce. 

icals industry is the largest exporting industrial sector in the U.S. The global chemicals market 

RCthe

gion since most firms are able to stay competitive within a 300 mile radius.71

Table A-20 below presents trends in industry exports by state. Exports from Pennsylvania and Tennessee 

declined during the 1997 to 2001 period. Though Erie, Pennsylvania is regarded as one of the nation’s 

leading centers of plastics production, most small and medium sized manufacturers there tend to focus on

the manufacture of sub-assembly plastic products for large equipment manufacturers as opposed to final 

products that are more suited for export markets. 

 

Source: Bureau of Econ

Export Growth Trends

The chem

is fiercely competitive and trade contracts are usually negotiated on a long-term basis. Unlike other 

industries where foreign markets hold the key to their future, the chemical and plastics industry in 

Appalachia is made up of small and medium sized firms that are focused on creating niches within the 

domestic U.S. market. The industry in Appalachia is thus not a vibrant exporting sector. In fact, an A

commissioned study found that there is a general lack of interest in exporting among many firms in

re

71 Exports, Competitiveness, and Synergy in Appalachian Industry Clusters, February 1997, pg. 15. Prepared by

Regional Technology Strategies, Inc. Chapel Hill, North Carolina 

Appalachian Regional Commission 132 Global Competitiveness of 

Selected Industries and Clusters in The Appalachian Region
Table A-20. Chemicals and Plastics Exports from Appalachian States 

States

$ Value 000, 

1997

$ Value 000,

1998

$ Value 000,

1999

$ Value 000,

2000

$ Value 000,

2001

% change %

Change 1997 to

2001

Alabama 83,655 93,720 80,496 80,017 75,609 -9.62

Georgia 213,245 226,767 198,028 275,341 236,170 10.75

Kentucky 149,680 185,626 226,106 271,500 232,619 55.41

Maryland 91,441 99,923 112,073 106,453 110,808 21.18

1

342,228 391,634 729,759 1,134,452 1,052,955 207.68

ennessee 357,366 390,780 355,278 356,239 322,226 -9.83

255,106 246,487 260,139 332,237 317,563 24.48

est Virginia 8,663 10,615 10,621 11,663 18,727 116.17

Mississippi 42,611 50,945 65,711 75,132 50,650 18.87

New York 783,316 651,892 642,682 937,202 798,310 1.9

North Carolina 320,960 340,938 434,164 459,477 493,996 53.91

Ohio 1,260,993 1,412,739 1,493,246 1,973,282 1,647,128 30.62

Pennsylvania 593,984 677,591 694,879 526,815 466,459 -21.47

South Carolina 

T

Virginia 

W

Appalachia 4,503,248 4,779,657 5,303,182 6,539,810 5,823,220 29.31

U.S. 14,035,946 14,522,221 15,196,968 17,714,657 16,508,439 17.62

Rubber and Plastics Product Exports from Appalachia States

ium

ucts that can be sold directly overseas” 

r future 

xport promotion. But the potential is not very strong.

Automobiles, Auto-parts and Related Products 

Industry Overview 

The motor vehicles and motor vehicle industry group is defined by the three-digit SIC code 371. It 

includes establishments engaged in manufacturing or assembling complete passenger automobiles, trucks, 

commercial cars, buses, motor vehicle parts and accessories, truck and bus bodies and passenger car 

bodies. 

The motor vehicle industry is one of the strongest technology-related sectors in Appalachia. It is classified 

as a traditional high tech industry with moderate technology-intensity. According to the ARC-sponsored 

study, the motor vehicle industry’s strongest clusters are in counties located in Ohio, Kentucky and 

Tennessee. Tale A-21 presents national and regional motor vehicle and auto parts production data. 

 

Source: International Trade and Economic Statistics (Export.Gov). 

According to ARC, the only way “the only way to increase the export potential of small and med

sized plants may be to offer assistance in developing unique prod

—especially since finished products are more likely to be exported.

72

Growth and Export Prospects for Plastics and Chemicals 

The chemical and plastics industry in Appalachia has some potential that can be developed fo

e

72 See Exports, Competitiveness, and Synergy in Appalachian Industry Clusters, February 1997, pg. vi. 

Appalachian Regional Commission 133 Global Competitiveness of 

Selected Industries and Clusters in The Appalachian Region
Table A-21. Motor Vehicle and Auto Parts Manufacturing Industry Data 

1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000

Appalachia States Prod. 37,846 35,317 38,465 44,989 44,349 45,523

United States Prod. 103,170 92,240 97,068 111,628 114,744 116,879

Appalachia GSP 2,477,567 2,559,208 2,665,176 2,802,466 2,913,662 3,036,268

App Prod. / U.S. Prod.

od. / App GSP.

Manufacture of Motor Vehicles and Related Products, GSP Data (Millions of dollars)

37% 38% 40% 40% 39% 39%

App Pr 1.53% 1.38% 1.44% 1.61% 1.52% 1.50%

on in 1995 to $45.5 billion in 2000—an increase of 20 percent. During the 1995 

and related products 

resents data on the contribution of the motor vehicle industry to respective state economies 

states of Ohio and Tennessee. These were earlier 

ities. In fact, Ohio is at the center of the motor 

merica—with more than 80 percent of North American light vehicle 

alachian states combined is greater than one 

Source: Bureau of Economic Analysis of the U.S. Department of Commerce. 

From 1995 to 2000, the value of motor industry production in the U.S. increased from $103.2 billion to 

$116.9 billion—an increase of 13 percent. For Appalachian states, the value of motor industry production 

increased from $37.8 billi

to 2000 period, Appalachian states increased their share of total motor vehicle

production in the U.S. 

Output Intensity Analysis 

Table A-22 p

in Appalachia. Kentucky tops the list, followed by the

identified as states with prevalent industry cluster activ

vehicle industry in North A

production emanating from within 500 meters of its borders. 

More importantly, the output intensity index for each of these states (Kentucky, Ohio and Tennessee)

indicates that the contribution of the motor vehicle industry to their respective economies exceeds the 

national average. Also, the output intensity index for all App

—implying that the contribution of the industry to the region exceeds the national average. 

Table A-22. Motor Vehicle Industry Output Intensity Indices for Appalachian States 

Two-Digit Industry State Industry / State GSP U.S. Industry 

Output Intensity Analysis for the Motor Vehicle and Related Products Industry Group 

/ U.S. GSP Location Quotient

(1986 - 2000) (1986 - 2000) %State / %U.S. 

Alabama 1.04% 1.25% 0.84

Georgia 1.04% 1.25% 0.83

Kentucky 5.47% 1.25% 4.39

Maryland 0.29% 1.25% 0.24

Mississippi 0.56% 1.25% 0.45

New York 0.48% 1.25% 0.39

North Carolina 0.89% 1.25% 0.72

Ohio 4.27% 1.25% 3.43

Pennsylvania 0.47% 1.25% 0.38

South Carolina 0.98% 1.25% 0.79

Tennessee 2.48% 1.25% 1.99

Virginia 0.80% 1.25% 0.64

West Virginia 0.12% 1.25% 0.10

Appalachia 1.46% 1.25% 1.17

Source: Bureau of Economic Analysis of the U.S. Department of Commerce. 

Appalachian Regional Commission 134 Global Competitiveness of 

Selected Industries and Clusters in The Appalachian Region
Export Growth Trends

Export data from the Department of Commerce indicates that motor vehicle exports have been on a 

downward trend. The United States’ international trade in road motor vehicles has produced a large and 

growing deficit, one that has more than doubled in the past ten years. According to experts at the 

International Trade Commission, the current overall imbalance in motor vehicle trade could be reduced as 

economic conditions change, but there is little reason to believe that the United States will see a surplus in 

its motor vehicle trade in the near term. 

The top five markets for U.S. motor vehicle exports: Canada, Mexico, Germany, Japan, and Belgium

accounted for 85 percent of all outbound shipments in 1999. While motor vehicle manufacturers in 

Appalachia continue to expand their share of domestic production, weak export markets could limit their 

export growth potential. 

Growth and Export Prospects for Motor Vehicles and Related Products 

ve strong potential that could be 

xploited for export promotion. 

of such items are: wooden, upholstered, and metal furniture commonly

mmissioned study identified major concentrations of the household furniture industry in

rn Tennessee, northeast 

holstered furniture production 

hile the others take on a more diverse range of household furniture. The clusters are quite distinct and 

among producers in different clusters.73 Exhibit A-2 depicts a breakdown of 

y manufacture by Appalachian state. 

 

According to industry experts, the auto parts industry does appear to ha

e

Furniture, Fixtures and Related Products 

Industry Overview 

The furniture and fixtures industry group is defined by the two-digit SIC code 25. It includes 

establishments engaged in manufacturing office and store fixtures as well as household, office and 

restaurant furniture. Examples

used in dwellings, offices, public buildings and restaurants. 

An ARC-co

Appalachia. Major clusters are located in western North Carolina, easte

Mississippi and northern Alabama. The Mississippi cluster focuses on up

w

there is very little interaction

the furniture and fixtures industr

73 Exports, Competitiveness, and Synergy in Appalachian Industry Clusters, February 1997. Prepared for the

Appalachian Regional Commission by Regional Technology Strategies, Inc. Chapel Hill, North Carolina. 

Appalachian Regional Commission 135 Global Competitiveness of 

Selected Industries and Clusters in The Appalachian Region
Exhibit A-2: Average Share of Appalachian Furniture and Fixtures Manufacture by State

Georgia 

6% Kentucky

2%

New York

7%

North Carolina 

30%

Ohio

10%

South Carolina

2%

Tennessee 

10%

Virginia

8%

Pennsylvania

9%

Mississippi

10%

West Virginia

0% Alabama

5%

Maryland

1%

Source: Bureau of Economic Analysis of the U.S. Department of Commerce. 

able A-23 below presents production data for the furniture and fixtures industry. The value of U.S. 

rniture and fixtures manufacturers increased from $20.7 billion in 1995 to $24.4 billion in 2000—an 18 

percent increase, while the value of Appalachian states manufacturers of furniture and fixtures increased 

from $8.9 billion in 1995 to $10 billion in 2000—a 12 percent increase. These figures indicate that during 

the period spanning from 1995 to 2000, the growth of furniture and fixtures manufacturers in Appalachian 

states did not exceed the national average. In fact, manufacturers in Appalachian states lost some of their 

share of national production. 

Table A-23. Furniture and Fixtures Manufacturing Industry Data 

T

fu

1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000

Appalachia States Prod. 8,956 8,783 9,149 9,531 9,952 10,008

United States Prod. 20,746 20,713 22,143 22,923 23,888 24,428

Appalachia GSP 2,477,567 2,559,208 2,665,176 2,802,466 2,913,662 3,036,268

App Prod. / U.S. Prod. 43% 42% 41% 42% 42% 41%

App Prod. / App GSP. 0.36% 0.34% 0.34% 0.34% 0.34% 0.33%

Manufacture of Furiture and Fixtures, GSP Data (Millions of dollars)

Source: Bureau of Economic Analysis of the U.S. Department of Commerce. 

Output Intensity Analysis 

Table A-24 provides the output intensity index for each state in Appalachia and all states combined. 

While the furniture and fixtures industry in Appalachian states account for 40 percent of total U.S. 

furniture production, the industry’s impact on the local economy is very small. In all Appalachian states, 

the industry share of state GSP was less than one-half percent. When compared to the national average, 

the contribution of the industry to each state in Appalachia did not exceed the national average. This 

implies that the industry’s impact on the Appalachian region is significantly below the national average. 

Appalachian Regional Commission 136 Global Competitiveness of 

Selected Industries and Clusters in The Appalachian Region
Table A-24. Furniture and Fixtures Output Intensity Indices for Appalachian States 

Two-Digit Industry State Industry / State GSP U.S. Industry / U.S. GSP Location Quotient

(1986 - 2000) (1986 - 2000) %State / %U.S. 

Alabama 0.48% 0.27%

Georgia 0.22% 0.27% 0.81

Kentucky 0.20% 0.27% 0.74

Maryland 

Output Intensity Analysis for the Furniture and Fixtures MFG Industry Group 

1.76

 0.08% 0.27% 0.30

0

8

4

ee 0.63% 0.27% 2.32

rginia 0.34% 0.27% 1.27

0.27

ppalachia 1.26

Mississippi 1.62% 0.27% 6.0

New York 0.10% 0.27% 0.3

North Carolina 1.24% 0.27% 4.58

Ohio 0.28% 0.27% 1.0

Pennsylvania 0.23% 0.27% 0.86

South Carolina 0.20% 0.27% 0.72

Tenness

Vi

West Virginia 0.07% 0.27%

A 0.34% 0.27%

Source: Bureau of Economic Analysis of the U.S. Department of Commerce. 

Appalachian Regional Commission 137 Global Competitiveness of 

Selected Industries and Clusters in The Appalachian Region
Export Growth Trends

Table A-25 presents trends in furniture industry exports for Appalachian states and the U.S. Furniture 

exports from Appalachian states declined from $748.4 million in 1997 to $730 million in 2001 while U.S.

exports increased during the same period. Over the course of the period, Appalachian states lost some

share of national exports. West Virginia, Tennessee and Georgia were the greatest losers, with each 

experiencing double-digit losses in the value of furniture exports. Alabama, Kentucky and Ohio were the 

ve not seriously exploited export markets. They have focused more on the 

a, Kuwait and

ble A-25. Furniture, Fixtures and Related Products Exports from Appalachian States

greatest gainers. 

Many firms in Appalachia ha

U.S. market. The industry in Appalachia however has several export advantages. According to ARC, 

theses include: proximity to raw materials and other components, a burgeoning reputation overseas for

quality work in furniture design and production, and a large number of firms with flexible production

capabilities. The top five markets for furniture exports are Canada, Germany, Saudi Arabi

Japan.

Ta

States

$ Value 000, 

1997

$ Value 000, 

1998

$ Value 

000, 1999

$ Value 

000, 2000

$ Value 

000, 2001

% change % 

Change 1997 

to 2001

Alabama 24,876 21,280 26,843 36,633 33,222 33.55

Georgia 52,903 44,199 38,931 46,453 37,312 -29.47

Kentucky 20,575 28,824 37,463 74,298 28,293 37.51

Maryland 11,811 19,562 24,645 9,867 11,253 -4.72

Mississippi 59,415 59,512 66,575 64,368 61,655 3.77

New York 100,237 94,175 88,913 113,458 107,783 7.53

North Carolina 174,705 164,886 166,689 158,807 160,698 -8.02

Ohio 98,677 96,897 93,132 110,911 111,859 13.36

Pennsylvania 79,012 66,831 62,236 90,666 84,600 7.07

South Carolina 15,357 19,557 14,105 17,797 15,247 -0.72

Tennessee 57,105 53,779 47,461 52,697 40,595 -28.91

Virginia 50,957 43,451 48,790 52,485 36,689 -28

West Virginia 2,800 6,287 3,629 1,764 779 -72.18

Appalachia 748,430 719,240 719,412 830,204 729,985 -2.46

U.S. 2,496,639 2,612,709 2,562,583 3,024,477 2,588,022 3.66

Furniture, Fixtures and Related Product Exports from Appalachia States

Source: International Trade and Economic Statistics (Export.Gov). 

Growth and Export Prospects for Furniture, Fixtures and Related Products 

The furniture industry has some unrealized growth potential that can be exploited for export development. 

Textiles and Related Products 

Industry Overview 

The textiles and related products industry group is defined by the two-digit SIC code 22. It includes 

establishments engaged in the preparation of fiber and subsequent manufacturing of yarn, thread, braids, 

twine and cordage; manufacturing broadwoven fabrics, narrow woven fabrics, knit fabrics, and carpets 

Appalachian Regional Commission 138 Global Competitiveness of 

Selected Industries and Clusters in The Appalachian Region
from yarn; dyeing and finishing fiber, yarn and fabrics; coating, waterproofing or treating fiber; the 

anufacture of knit apparel and other finished articles from yarn; and the manufacture of felt goods, lace 

s in

ever declined in both the national and regional industry, with the share of Appalachian 

tates declining faster. Table A-26 presents production data for the Appalachian and national textile mills 

m

goods, nonwoven fabrics, and miscellaneous textile. 

The textile mills industry is one of Appalachia’s traditional and most mature industries. Textile mill

Appalachian states account for 83 percent of national textile mills production. The value of textile mills 

production has how

s

industry.

Table A-26. Textile Mills Manufacturing Industry Data 

1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000

Appalachia States Prod. 21,424 21,006 20,638 20,062 19,362 19,755

Textile Mills and Related Products, GSP Data (Millions of dollars)

United States Prod. 25,968 25,335 24,953 24,130 23,598 24,126

Appalachia GSP 2,477,567 2,559,208 2,665,176 2,802,466 2,913,662 3,036,268

App Prod. / U.S. Prod. 83% 83% 83% 83% 82% 82%

App Prod. / App GSP. 0.86% 0.82% 0.77% 0.72% 0.66% 0.65%

ic Analysis of the U.S. Department of Commerce. 

.—implying that the contribution of the industry within Appalachian states is above the national 

for Appalachian states.

Textile Mills Output Intensity Indices for Appalachian States 

Source: Bureau of Econom

Output Intensity Analysis 

The output intensity index for all Appalachian states (1.07) exceeds the output intensity index for the 

entire U.S

average. Table A-27 provides textile mills output intensity index

Table A-27. 

Two-Digit Industry State Industry / State GSP U.S. Industry / U.S. GSP Location Quotient

(1986 - 2000) (1986 - 2000) %State / %U.S. 

Alabama 1.60% 0.33% 4.80

Georgia 2.31% 0.33% 6.92

Kentucky 0.36% 0.33% 1.07

Maryland 0.05% 0.33% 0.14

Mississippi 0.45% 0.33% 1.34

New York 0.12% 0.33% 0.37

North Carolina 3.57% 0.33% 10.69

Ohio 0.06% 0.33% 0.19

Pennsylvania 0.28% 0.33% 0.83

South Carolina 3.84% 0.33% 11.51

Tennessee 0.52% 0.33% 1.56

Virginia 0.69% 0.33% 2.08

West Virginia 0.10% 0.33% 0.29

Appalachia 1.07% 0.33% 3.21

Output Intensity Analysis for the Textile Mill Products Industry Group 

Source: Bureau of Economic Analysis of the U.S. Department of Commerce. 

Appalachian Regional Commission 139 Global Competitiveness of 

Selected Industries and Clusters in The Appalachian Region
Export Growth Trends

On average, Appalach

.S exports of textile

ian states account for 53 percent of U.S. textile mills’ exports. From 1997 to 2001, 

mill products increased from $5.6 billion to $7.4 billion—an increase of 32 percent. 

tition from cheap foreign imports with lower labor 

and with the phasing out 

e more susceptible to 

foreign competition 

igh value-added textile products that are less labor intensive. The future of the industry in Appalachia 

ufacturers to exploit higher value-added textile goods and offer niche 

U

In the same period, Appalachian state exports increased from $3.2 billion in 1997 to $3.9 billion in 

2001—an increase of 24 percent. Table A-28 presents trends in textile industry exports for Appalachian 

states and the U.S. 

Though the regional industry grew less than the national industry during 1997 to 2001 period, most 

Appalachian states recorded very strong growth figures during the period. The states of Alabama, 

Kentucky, Ohio and Pennsylvania experienced at least a 90 percent increase in textile mill product 

exports. The region has a whole appears to have benefited immensely from sales to foreign markets. The 

only Appalachian states to experience a decline in exports during the period are the states of New York 

and Virginia. 

The textile mills industry however faces stiff compe

costs. As less developed countries with lower labor costs expand their activities

of import quota restrictions under WTO rules, the textile mills industry will becom

Despite this competition, U.S. textile mill industries have a competitive advantage in the production of 

h

depends on the ability of man

products.

Table A-28. Textile Mills’ Exports from Appalachian States 

$ Value 000, 

1997

$ Value 000, 

1998

$ Value 

000, 1999

$ Value 000, 

2000

$ Value 000, 

2001

%

Change

1997 to

Textile Mill Product Exports from Appalachia States

States 2001

.16

6

1

83 1,051,604 911,881 1.9

hio 130,863 103,821 112,660 283,564 252,450 92.91

Pennsylvania 143,688 117,318 133,438 174,845 287,191 99.87

South Carolina 331,725 313,899 312,971 420,333 495,792 49.46

Tennessee 178,925 193,078 173,016 212,459 230,840 29.01

Virginia 101,906 99,349 110,043 93,335 70,802 -30.52

West Virginia 6,648 5,459 7,256 7,934 9,954 49.73

Appalachia 3,065,690 2,985,937 2,898,697 3,674,459 3,799,011 23.92

U.S. 5,587,281 5,672,308 6,055,009 7,284,162 7,365,202 31.82

Alabama 99,550 115,100 126,377 209,572 235,095 136

Georgia 231,857 230,325 240,876 322,394 328,370 41.63

Kentucky 53,154 67,546 72,474 206,141 304,285 472.46

Maryland 98,077 107,557 110,972 110,612 117,359 19.6

Mississippi 78,433 72,365 60,493 83,118 85,385 8.86

New York 715,974 612,155 510,538 498,548 469,607 -34.4

North Carolina 894,890 947,965 927,5

O

Source: International Trade and Economic Statistics (Export.Gov). 

Growth and Export Prospects for Textile Mills and Related Products 

The industry offers some potential for continued export growth through continuous product innovation. 

Appalachian Regional Commission 140 Global Competitiveness of 

Selected Industries and Clusters in The Appalachian Region
Apparel and Related Products 

Industry Overview 

The apparel and related products industry group is defined by the two-digit SIC code 23. It includes 

establishments producing clothing by cutting and sewing purchased woven or knit textile fabrics, leather, 

rubberized fabrics, plastics and furs. 

During the six-year period from 1995 to 2000, both the regional and national apparel and related products 

industry experienced a significant decline in production. In the U.S., the value of apparel and related 

products production declined from $28.0 billion in 1995 to $22.5 billion in 2000—a decrease of 20 

percent. In Appalachian states, the value of apparel and related products production declined from $14.3 

billion in 1995 to $9.9 billion in 2000—a decrease of 31percent. The decline has been attributed mainly to 

increased competition from foreign producers. Table A-29 presents production data for the Appalachian 

and national apparel and related products industry.

Table A-29. Apparel and Related Products Manufacturing Industry Data 

1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000

Appalachia States Prod. 14,309 13,248 12,838 11,855

United States Prod. 28,019 26,958 26,461 25,233

10,178 9,882

22,573 22,451

Appalachia GSP 2,477,567 2,559,208 2,665,176 2,802,466 2,913,662 3,036,268

49% 47% 45% 44%

0.42% 0.35% 0.33%

Apparel and Related Products, GSP Data (Millions of dollars)

App Prod. / U.S. Prod. 51% 49%

App Prod. / App GSP. 0.58% 0.52% 0.48%

ource: Bureau of Economic Analysis of the U.S. Department of Commerce. 

The importance of the apparel industry varies for respective Appalachian states. Alabama and Mississippi 

are the only states with an output intensity index greater than one—implying that the contribution of the 

apparel and textile industry to their local economies exceeds the national average. North Carolina, South 

Carolina and Tennessee also have output intensity indices that are almost equal to the national average. 

As a whole, the contribution of the industry to the GSP of Appalachian states exceeded the national 

average. Table A-30 provides apparel and related products output intensity index for Appalachian states. 

Export Growth Trends

Apparel exports from most Appalachian states declined significantly during the 1997 to 2001 period. 

Most states experienced double-digit negative growth in exports. The industry’s woes can be attributed to

intense competition from foreign producers with access to relatively cheaper labor. The major gainers 

were Alabama, Ohio, Virginia, Pennsylvania and North Carolina. Alabama and Ohio recorded a 100 

percent increase in the value of their apparel exports. Table A-31 presents trends in apparel and related 

products industry exports for Appalachian states and the U.S. 

S

Output Intensity Analysis 

Appalachian Regional Commission 141 Global Competitiveness of 

Selected Industries and Clusters in The Appalachian Region
Table A-30. Apparel and Related Products Output Intensity Indices for Appalachian States 

Two-Digit Industry State Industry / State GSP U.S. Industry / U.S. GSP Location Quotient

(1986 - 2000) (1986 - 2000) %State / %U.S. 

3.11

1.73

3.56

1.72

th Carolina 0.90% 0.37% 2.40

0.41

2

6

0.66% 0.37% 1.77

Output Intensity Analysis for the Apparel and Related Products Industry Group 

Alabama 1.16% 0.37%

Georgia 0.64% 0.37%

Kentucky 0.79% 0.37% 2.11

Maryland 0.14% 0.37% 0.39

Mississippi 1.33% 0.37%

New York 0.64% 0.37%

Nor

Ohio 0.15% 0.37%

Pennsylvania 0.47% 0.37% 1.26

South Carolina 0.94% 0.37% 2.5

Tennessee 0.99% 0.37% 2.6

Virginia 0.27% 0.37% 0.73

West Virginia 0.14% 0.37% 0.37

Appalachia

Source: Bureau of Economic Analysis of the U.S. Department of Commerce. 

Table A-31. Apparel and Related Products Exports from Appalachian States

States

$ Value 000, 

1997

$ Value 000, 

1998

$ Value 

000, 1999

$ Value 000, 

2000

$ Value 000,

2001

 % Change

1997 to 2001

Alabama 160,202 210,179 262,568 409,791 311,456 94.41

Georgia 412,819 492,524 303,786 285,063 193,628 -53.1

Kentucky 389,328 662,240 587,972 588,943 319,175 -18.02

Maryland 20,468 17,114 11,050 7,424 7,021 -65.7

Mississippi 106,243 107,923 103,702 149,292 85,731 -19.31

New York 628,397 614,556 589,372 595,716 533,201 -15.15

North Carolina 1,466,590 1,355,406 1,518,108 1,727,157 1,680,939 14.62

Ohio 48,128 58,660 66,841 87,485 93,943 95.19

Pennsylvania 147,791 140,717 144,157 191,329 191,603 29.64

South Carolina 186,513 310,820 299,976 229,262 103,079 -44.73

Tennessee 194,842 231,595 170,231 199,196 159,967 -17.9

Virginia 115,746 128,044 87,625 61,594 163,297 41.08

West Virginia 4,330 1,803 1,301 917 653 -84.92

Apparel and Related Products Exports from Appalachia States

Appalachia 3,881,397 4,331,581 4,146,689 4,533,169 3,843,693 -0.97

U.S. 8,551,110 8,707,823 8,193,870 8,557,864 6,956,292 -18.65

Source: International Trade and Economic Statistics (Export.Gov). 

Growth and Export Prospects for Apparel and Related Products 

The industry does not offer much potential for continued export through export promotion. 

Appalachian Regional Commission 142 Global Competitiveness of 

Selected Industries and Clusters in The Appalachian Region
Environmental Technologies 

Industry Overview 

The environmental technologies industry includes establishments engaged in the manufacturing of 

industrial air pollution control equipment, water and waste water systems, solid waste recycling, and 

It is a relatively new industry whose activities are quite diverse 

any SIC classifications. As pointed out in the ARC-commissioned study, it is quite 

ifficult to estimate market size and employment information using the SIC classification. 

was

s

and services 

k had the highest number of 

bs and were the highest-ranking export states for environmental technologies. Table A-32 presents 

e U.S.

Table A-32. Environmental Technology Employment and Exports from Appalachian States 

hazardous and toxic waste technologies. 

and encompass m

d

However, the Environmental Technologies Industries (ETI) office within the U.S. Department of 

Commerce provides some information on estimated industry trends. According to ITA, in 1999, there

continued growth in the production and sales of U.S. environmental goods and services. Total revenue

for the industry increased by five percent to $196.5 billion; the number of jobs in the industry increased

by 44,815 to 1,389,638, while the U.S. industry exported almost 11 percent of the total goods

that it produced in 1999. 

Export Growth Trends

Based on the data obtained from ITA for 1999, Pennsylvania and New Yor

jo

employment and exports from Appalachian states and th

States Jobs Companies Exports National Export Rank

Alabama 21,047 1,734 264 23

Kentucky 17,500 1,712 176 30

Mississippi 9,992 1,090 65 42

New York 91,262 6,518 1,136 5

North Carolina 33,790 2,611 346 17

hio 60,745 5,022 957 8

Environmental Technologies Industry (1999)

O

Pennsylvania 72,667 6,125 1,538 2

South Carolina 20,007 1,616 146 32

Tennessee 25,261 2,021 205 27

Virginia 30,172 2,602 504 14

West Virginia 11,255 1,215 58 44

Total U.S. 1,389,638 115,030 21,310

 Source: International Trade Administration.

As concern with curbing environmental pollution grows, environmental technologies, goods, and services 

will constitute an important and growing sector within the global economy. According to ITA, it is 

projected that the global market will grow to $545 billion by the year 2004. 

Within Appalachia, an ARC-commissioned study identified a major environmental technologies cluster in 

east Tennessee (Oak Ridge, Knoxville and Chattanooga). Establishments in this cluster have access to a 

highly skilled labor force and excellent support services from federal research labs and agencies and state 

universities. This feature increases their capacity to access and exploit export opportunities. Currently, 

establishments located within this cluster are not major exporters because they view government as their 

primary contractor. As global markets for environmental technologies expand, industry clusters within 

Appalachian Regional Commission 143 Global Competitiveness of 

Selected Industries and Clusters in The Appalachian Region
Appalachia have an excellent opportunity to position themselves at the forefront. Germany, Mexico, 

orea, Brazil, China and India are expected to be prime future export markets.74

Growth and Export Prospects for Environmental Technologies 

The environmental technologies industry will be a good candidate for export promotion in Appalachia. 

roduction in

the Appalachian Region was 428.9 million short tons in 2001 and this represents 38 percent of total U.S. 

coal production. Within Appalachia, the Central region (composed of counties in eastern Kentucky, 

Virginia, and southern West Virginia) is the leading producer of coal. On average, the Central region 

n contains some of the 

ost coal-dependent counties in Appalachia. The Northern region (made up of counties in 

rn We Virginia) accounts for 33 percent of total Appalachian 

oal production while the Southern region (composed of counties in Tennessee and Alabama) accounts 

K

Coal Mining 

The Appalachian region is one of the three major coal-producing regions in the U.S. Coal p

accounts for 61 percent of total Appalachian coal production. The Central regio

75 m

Pennsylvania, Ohio, Maryland, and northe st

c

for an annual average of six percent of total Appalachian coal production. Table A-33 presents the 

distribution of coal production amongst the major regions in Appalachian. 

Table A-33. Appalachian Region - Coal Production

Year

Northern Central Southern Total App Total U.S. % of Total U.S.

1996 32% 61% 6% 451,869 1,063,856 42%

1997 33% 62% 6% 467,778 1,089,932 43

1998 34% 60%

Percentages and Quantity (1,000 Short Tons)

%

6% 460,399 1,117,535 41%

425,573 1,100,431 39%

419,419 1,073,612 39%

2001 34% 61% 5% 428,900 1,121,300 38%

Northern Appalachia: Counties in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Maryland, and northern West Virginia

Central Appalachia: Counties in Eastern Kentucky, Virginia, and Southern West Virginia

Southern Appalachia: Counties in Tennessee and Alabama.

Source: Energy Information Administration - Coal Industry Annual 2000 Data Tables

1999 33% 61% 5%

2000 33% 62% 5%

Appalachian mines produce primarily bituminous coal (soft coal) from both surface and underground 

mines. Approximately 65 percent of the region’s coal comes from underground mines while the 

remaining 35 percent comes from surface mines. The Northern Appalachian region produces significant 

amounts of high sulfur bituminous coal and some lignite coal. The Central Appalachian region is rich in 

medium sulfur bituminous coal and significant quantities of low sulphur bituminous coal. The Southern 

oduces significant quantities of low sulphur bituminous coal. 

ables A-34 and A-35 present production data on the types of coal produced in Appalachia. 

region has the least coal deposits but it pr

T

 74 Exports, Competitiveness, and Synergy in Appalachian Industry Clusters, February 1997. Prepared for the

ppalachian Regional Commission by Regional Technology Strategies, Inc. Chapel Hill, North Carolina. 

 Berger et (2001). A Study on the Current Economic Impacts of the Appalachian Coal Industry and its Future in

the Region. A Report commissioned by the Appalachian Regional Commission, March 2001. 

A

75

Appalachian Regional Commission 144 Global Competitiveness of 

Selected Industries and Clusters in The Appalachian Region
Table A-34. Appalachian Region - Coal Production by Rank, 2000 

Sub-Region Quantity (1,000 Short Tons)

Bituminous Subbituminous Lignite Anthracite

Northern 134,462 0 0 4572

Central 258,391 0 0 0

Southern 21,993 0 0 0

Total 414,846 0 0 4,572

0 Short Tons) 

Source: Energy Information Administration - Coal Industry Annual 2000 Data Tables. 

Table A-35. Coal Production and Number of Mines by Region and Mine Type, 2000 

 (1,00

Number of

Mines

and Region Production

Number of

Mines

Production

Number of

Mines Production

rthern Region 29% 76% 71% 24% 451 139035

35% 42% 767 258391

uthern Region 32% 79% 68% 21% 62 21993

419

3,612

al-Producing State Underground Surface Total Co

No

Central Region 65% 58%

So

Appalachian Total 51% 65% 49% 35% 1,280 419,

U.S. Total 707 373,659 746 699,953 1,453 1,07

rce: Energy Information Administration, Coal Industry Annual 2000 Data Tables. 

xports 

. This

t Virginia experienced the greatest decline in coal exports (16.8 and 13.8 

a 

Sou

Trends in Appalachian Coal E

Coal exports from the major Appalachian states declined by 37 percent from 1996 to 2000. During this 

period, all the major coal exporting states within Appalachia experienced a decline in coal exports

was due to a number of factors including the availability of cheaper priced coal from competitors such as 

South Africa and Australia, higher production costs due to industry compliance with new environmental 

laws and regulations, and the expansion of new steel-making technologies requiring less high-grade 

coking coal. Kentucky and Wes

percent respectively). Virginia also experienced an 8.5 percent decline while coal exports from Alabam

and Pennsylvania declined by 0.3 and 4.1 percent respectively. Table A-36 presents the distribution of 

Appalachian coal by major exporting states. 

Table A-36. Major Appalachian Coal Exporting States 

Average 

Annual 

Percent 

Change

199

Alabama 4,864 5,813 4,801 3,307 4,807

ky 9,143 7,220 6,931 4,636 4,382

1999-2000 Destination

6-2000

45.3 -0.3

-5.5 -16.8

.1

.5

1999 2000

Percent 

Change

Coal-Exporting State and 1996 1997 1998

Kentuc

Pennsylvania 9,246 8,698 7,908 6,966 7,823 12.3 -4

Virginia 13,432 12,841 12,810 8,770 9,406 7.3 -8

West Virginia 42,044 38,459 37,531 22,848 23,212 1.6 -13.8

Total 78,729 73,031 69,981 46,527 49,630 6.7 -37.0

Source: International Trade Administration. 

Appalachian Regional Commission 145 Global Competitiveness of 

Selected Industries and Clusters in The Appalachian Region
While Europe has remained the major market for Appalachian coal, coal exports to Europe declined 

greatly during the mid to late 1990s (See Exhibit A-3 below). In 1997, steam coal shipments to Europe 

ecreased by six million tons due to increased competition from lower-cost producers and the substitution 

of natural gas for coal in the European utility sector. However, coal exports to Canada increased by four 

erica declined. 

e

ents to Europe decreased 

an 

and Argentin

d

million tons while exports to Africa, Asia and South Am

From 1997 to 1998, coal shipments to Europe continued to fall as the Asian financial crisis stimulated th

availability of cheap imports from Australia. During this period, bituminous coal exports to Canada

continued to increase while exports to coal markets in Africa, Asia and South America continued to fall.

In 1999, U.S. coal exports to Europe fell to a record low level. U.S. Coal shipm

as lower-cost Australian and South African production continued to displace U.S. coal. South African and

Australian production also displaced U.S. coal in other foreign markets such as the Japanese, Brazilian, 

and Korean markets. 

From 1999 to 2000, coal exports increased as worldwide steel production began to rebound. There was

increase in bituminous coal shipments to Spain, Germany, Turkey, Egypt, Bulgaria, Romania, Mexico 

a.

Exhibit A-3-Trends in Foreign Markets for Appalachian Coal 

0

5,000

45,000

50,000

10,000

15,000

20,000

Qty (1,00

25,000

30,000

35,000

40,000

1996 1997 1998 1999 2000

Year

 Short Tons)

North America

South America

Europe

Asia

Africa

Source: International Trade Administration. 

Growth and Export Prospects for Coal Mining 

The coal mining industry appears to be a good candidate for future export promotion in Appalachia.

Appalachian Regional Commission 146 Global Competitiveness of 

Selected Industries and Clusters in The Appalachian Region
Electronic Components

p high quality, sophisticated electronic components 

d related accessories. Under the electronic components major industry group, the focus for the 

ppalachian region will be on the microelectronics industry. The products covered under the 

icroelectronics industry include the following: semiconductor manufacturing equipment, printed circuit 

oards, electronic tubes, semiconductors, capacitors, resistors, coils, transformers, inductors, connectors, 

d printed circuit assemblies. 

he total value of U.S. shipments of microelectronics products increased by 21 percent from 1997 to 

000. The number of people employed nationally in the microelectronics industry also increased from

87,313 in 1997 to 620,927 in 2000—an increase of six percent. The upward swing in national industry

ipments and employment was also reflected in the Appalachian region. The value of microelectronic 

roducts shipments from Appalachian states increased by 12 percent from 1997 to 2000. Microelectronics 

dustry employment in Appalachian states also increased from 122,513 people in 1997 to 133,438 

eople in 2000—an increase of nine percent. 

n the international trade front, the performance of Appalachian states exceeded that of the U.S. While 

.S. exports of electronic equipment increased by 8.75 percent from 1997 to 2001, exports from

Appalachian states increased by 23 percent from 1997 to 2001. The contribution of Appalachian states to 

.S. electronics exports increased from 27 percent in 1997 to 30 percent in 2001.

New York, Ohio and Pennsylvania are the largest exporters of electronic equipments from Appalachia. 

, the electronic components industry is concentrated in nine counties that comprise the 

uthern tier of New York and some counties in Pennsylvania. Combined, they account for 48 percent of 

electronics exports from Appalachian states and 13 percent of U.S. electronics exports. The industry

uster in the counties are backed by a strong research and development base which include a number of 

deral and state funded research and development facilities. These include Cornell University, Alfred 

niversity, and the State University of New York at Binghamton. 

edical Devices and Surgical Instruments 

The medical instruments and supplies industry is defined by the three-digit SIC code 384. It consists of 

tablishments primarily engaged in manufacturing medical, surgical, ophthalmic, and veterinary 

struments and apparatus. According to the ARC-commissioned study, the medical devices industry is 

ncentrated in seven counties around the Pittsburgh area. 

he Medical devices and surgical instruments sector is one of the nation’s strongest and fastest growing 

ctors. Available data from the ITA shows that the value of U.S. shipments of medical devices increased 

om $51.7 billion in 1997 to $57.3 billion in 1999—an increase of 11 percent. U.S. exports of medical 

devices and other related products increased from $10.3 billion in 1995 to $15.4 billion in 2

percent increase. On average, exports accounted for 21 per

U.S. controls 59 percent of the world market. 

The ARC region is however not particularly strong in the manufacturing of medical devices and related 

instruments. The output intensity index for Appalachian states (0.58) indicates that the contribution of the 

industry to the economy of Appalachian states is significantly below the national average. According to

an ARC-commissioned study, the region has below-average concentration of firms and employees 

The U.S. is highly com etitive in the manufacture of

an

A

m

b

an

T

2

5

sh

p

in

p

O

U

U

Specifically

so

cl

fe

U

M

es

in

co

T

se

fr

000—a 50

cent of total domestic production while the 

Appalachian Regional Commission 147 Global Competitiveness of 

Selected Industries and Clusters in The Appalachian Region
co

cl

mpared to the U.S. 76 In fact, the industry did not meet the requirements generally associated with a 

uster because of its low firm concentration and lack of interdependence amongst firms. 

In Appalachia, the industry is dominated by small an medium sized firms that manufacture surgical 

supplies and instruments targeted towards specific domestic customers. Such products are quite 

specialized and unsuitable for export. The few large companies that are exporting actively in the area tend 

to focus on the production of high quality, technologically intensive products with special export market 

niches. As such, most firms in the region that want to export are already doing so. Even if ARC were to 

concentrate on promoting exports within the region, the cluster is currently too small with little 

collaboration amongst existing firms. 

Most promising markets for medical devices and related instruments are in Latin America, Japan, and the 

rest of Asia. Pittsburgh is home to two large research universities and an excellent medical facility. These 

resources play a crucial role in the development of medical devices and related products within the 

Pittsburg cluster. The industry does have some potential for growth and development within Appalachia, 

however this potential is however hinged on the ability to boost and diversify the supply base of the 

cluster. 

 

d

76 Exports, Competitiveness, and Synergy in Appalachian Industry Clusters, February 1997. Prepared for the

Appalachian Regional Commission by Regional Technology Strategies, Inc. Chapel Hill, North Carolina. 

Appalachian Regional Commission 148 Global Competitiveness of 

Selected Industries and Clusters in The Appalachian Region
APPENDIX B: TRADE FLOW MAPS

Prepared by 

Economic Development Research Group 

Appalachian Regional Commission 149 Global Competitiveness of 

Selected Industries and Clusters in The Appalachian Region
Product: Auto Parts

Origin: Alabama

Flow: Exports (1998)

Florida

Michigan New York

Appalachian Regional Commission 150 Global Competitiveness of 

Selected Industries and Clusters in The Appalachian Region
Product: Upholstered Furniture 

Origin: Alabama 

Flow: Exports (1998) 

Florida 

New York

Michigan

Appalachian Regional Commission 151 Global Competitiveness of 

Selected Industries and Clusters in The Appalachian Region
Product: Auto Parts 

Origin: Georgia 

Flow: Exports (1998) 

Florida 

New York

Michigan

Appalachian Regional Commission 152 Global Competitiveness of 

Selected Industries and Clusters in The Appalachian Region
Fl

Product: Electronic Components 

Origin: Georgia 

ow: Exports (1998) 

Florida 

Michigan New York

Appalachian Regional Commission 153 Global Competitiveness of 

Selected Industries and Clusters in The Appalachian Region
Product: Food Processing

Origin: Georgia 

Flow: Exports (1998) 

Florida 

New York

Michigan

Maryland

South Carolina 

Texas

Appalachian Regional Commission 154 Global Competitiveness of 

Selected Industries and Clusters in The Appalachian Region
Product: Packaging Machinery 

Origin: Georgia 

Flows: Exports (1998) 

Florida 

New York

South Carolina 

Texas

Michig

Appalachian Regional Commission 155 Global Competitiveness of 

Selected Industries and Clusters in The Appalachian Region
 Product: Auto Parts 

 Origin: Maryland 

 Flow: Exports (1998) 

Florida

Michigan New York

Appalachian Regional Commission 156 Global Competitiveness of 

Selected Industries and Clusters in The Appalachian Region
Product: Electronic Components 

Origin: Mississippi 

Flow: Exports (1998)

Florida 

New York

Michigan

Appalachian Regional Commission 157 Global Competitiveness of 

Selected Industries and Clusters in The Appalachian Region
Product: Wood Furniture 

Origin: New York

Flow: Exports (1998) 

Florida 

Michigan

Appalachian Regional Commission 158 Global Competitiveness of 

Selected Industries and Clusters in The Appalachian Region
Product: Upholstered Furniture 

Origin: North Carolina 

Flow: Exports (1998) 

Michigan

Florida 

New York

Appalachian Regional Commission 159 Global Competitiveness of 

Selected Industries and Clusters in The Appalachian Region
Product: Wood Furniture 

 Origin: North Carolina 

 Flow: Export (1998) 

Michigan

Florida 

New York

Appalachian Regional Commission 160 Global Competitiveness of 

Selected Industries and Clusters in The Appalachian Region
Product: Auto Parts 

Origin: Ohio 

Flow: Exports (1998) 

Florida

New York

Michigan

Appalachian Regional Commission 161 Global Competitiveness of 

Selected Industries and Clusters in The Appalachian Region
Product: Food Processing Machinery 

Origin: Ohio 

Flow: Exports (1998) 

Florida

New York

Michigan

North Carolina

Maryland

Texas

Appalachian Regional Commission 162 Global Competitiveness of 

Selected Industries and Clusters in The Appalachian Region
Product: Electronic Components 

Origin: Pennsylvania 

Flow: Exports (1998) 

New York

Florida 

Michigan

Appalachian Regional Commission 163 Global Competitiveness of 

Selected Industries and Clusters in The Appalachian Region
Product: Food Processing

Origin: Pennsylvania 

 Flow: Exports (1998) 

New York

Florida 

South Carolina

Maryland

Michigan

Texas

Appalachian Regional Commission 164 Global Competitiveness of 

Selected Industries and Clusters in The Appalachian Region
Product: Upholstered Furniture 

Origin: Pennsylvania

Flow: Exports (1998) 

New York 

Florida 

Michigan

Appalachian Regional Commission 165 Global Competitiveness of 

Selected Industries and Clusters in The Appalachian Region
Product: Food Processing Machinery 

Origin: South Carolina 

Flow: Exports (1998) 

Florida 

New York

Texas

South Carolina

Michigan

Maryland

Appalachian Regional Commission 166 Global Competitiveness of 

Selected Industries and Clusters in The Appalachian Region
Product: Packaging Machinery;

Origin: South Carolina

Flow: Exports (1998) 

Florida

New York

Texas

South Carolina

Appalachian Regional Commission 167 Global Competitiveness of 

Selected Industries and Clusters in The Appalachian Region
Product: Auto Parts 

Origin: Tennessee 

Flows: Exports (1998) 

Florida 

New York 

Michigan

Appalachian Regional Commission 168 Global Competitiveness of 

Selected Industries and Clusters in The Appalachian Region
Product: Upholstered Furniture;

Origin: Tennessee

Flow: Export (1998)

Florida

New York

Michigan

Appalachian Regional Commission 169 Global Competitiveness of 

Selected Industries and Clusters in The Appalachian Region
Product: Auto Parts 

Origin: West Virginia 

Flow: Exports (1998) 

Florida 

Michigan

New York

Appalachian Regional Commission 170 Global Competitiveness of 

Selected Industries and Clusters in The Appalachian Region
Product: Electronic Component 

Origin: West Virginia 

Flow Export (1998)

Florida 

Michigan

New York

Appalachian Regional Commission 171 Global Competitiveness of 

Selected Industries and Clusters in The Appalachian Region
 

Food Processing Machinery

State of Origin from ARC Regional Area to Port of Destination

FLORIDA

TEXAS

TEXAS

Appalachian Regional Commission 172 Global Competitiveness of 

Selected Industries and Clusters in The Appalachian Region
 

FLORIDA

Packaging Machinery

State of Origin from ARC Regional Area to Port of Destination

TEXAS

Appalachian Regional Commission 173 Global Competitiveness of 

Selected Industries and Clusters in The Appalachian Region
Appalachian Regional Commission 174 Global Competitiveness of 

 Selected Industries and Clusters in The Appalachian Region 

FLORIDA

State of Origin from ARC Regional Area to Port of Destination

Wood Furniture
Appalachian Regional Commission 175 Global Competitiveness of 

 Selected Industries and Clusters in The Appalachian Region 

FLORIDA

Auto Parts

State of Origin from ARC Regional Area to Port of Destination
Appalachian Regional Commission 176 Global Competitiveness of 

 Selected Industries and Clusters in The Appalachian Region 

 

Upholstered Furniture

State of Origin from ARC Regional Area to Port of Destination

FLORIDA