The proportion of firms at least somewhat likely to relocate some or all of their Orange County operations in the next five years dropped slightly in the past year, from 31 percent to 28 percent. Only one-third of firms that are very likely to relocate plan to move all of their operations out of Orange County. Most expect to move sales, operations or branch offices while leaving their headquarters here. Only 4 percent of firms were contacted by local government or business groups encouraging them to stay in the county. International Commerce International business plays a major role in Orange County's economy, with 44 percent of the firms in the survey generating an average of 18 percent of revenues from international markets.
Manufacturing remains the leading sector in international business.
More international firms have positive sales expectations than non-international firms. The survey shows that high-tech firms are vitally important to Orange County exports. High-tech firms have higher sales expectations and are more likely to expand than other Orange County firms doing business internationally. The number of executives who believe Orange County is becoming more attractive as a place to do business is at an all-time high. Forty-one percent believe the county is becoming more attractive, while only 16 percent believe it is becoming less attractive.