Proposed U.S.-South Korea Free Trade Agreement: Potential National Sector-Specific and State Export Effects
Released: 2011-06-20T00:00:00

This report provides indications of the possible effects of the proposed U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement (KORUS FTA) on individual states. For each state the indications result from pairing two sets of data. The first set is based on U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC)-estimated changes in U.S. exports and imports at the national level after full implementation of the KORUS FTA, compared to what trade with South Korea would be under a no-agreement scenario. The second set, included in Appendix A , is Census Bureau data which tracks the annual movement of exports to their foreign destination—in this case South Korea—by state.

Whether a state's exports are higher as a result of the KORUS FTA will depend significantly on whether firms that now export take advantage of the market openings (e.g., declining or eliminated tariffs, expanding or phased out quotas) negotiated in this trade agreement. In addition, the extent to which a state's exports change in the same pattern as projected by the USITC estimates will depend on the extent to which the industry in a given state echoes the makeup of the respective industry at the national level. However, because the model upon which USTIC estimates were based uses only highly aggregated sectors, the extent of that similarity or difference cannot be determined. Therefore, the indication of industries for which net exports (exports minus imports) are projected to increase or decrease as listed in Table 4 should be viewed as providing a general "compass" rather than serving as a precise global positioning system in projecting state industry export changes upon full implementation of the KORUS FTA.

Estimating the trade effects of FTAs, including the proposed KORUS FTA, is imprecise and highly sensitive to the assumptions that are used. For greater detail, see Appendix C , which discusses trade models used by the USITC and shortfalls associated with Census Bureau state-level trade data. As detailed in the appendix, such estimates are even more problematic at the state level for several reasons. One is the interplay between state industrial composition and problems inherent in the data to measure state exports to a foreign country. That is, the data tend to overestimate agricultural and/or manufacturing exports for some states, and underestimate them for others. In addition, the data capture the export value of the finished product and assign that entire value to the final state from which the product is exported. As a result, the data do not capture the value added by production that occurs in other states. Moreover, while trade agreements generally are comprehensive in nature and cover goods, services , and investment, estimates of exports focus narrowly on the goods sector and do not adequately represent the total impact of the agreements. In addition to the national-level estimates featured in this report, states may experience a broad range of benefits from liberalizing trade in services and reducing or eliminating barriers to investment flows. Provisions that reduce barriers to trade in services potentially could have a large and positive effect on the U.S. economy, since the United States is highly competitive in a number of services sectors and U.S. direct investment abroad often spurs exports.

U.S.-South Korea Trade

South Korea is the seventh largest U.S. export partner, receiving nearly $39 billion in U.S. goods exports, or about 3% of all such U.S. exports of almost $1.3 trillion in 2010. Individual state shares of these exports varied from 21% (California) to 0.03% (South and North Dakota). When services exports are added, total combined U.S. exports to South Korea in 2010 totaled about $55 billion ( Table 1 ).

In contrast, the United States imported nearly $60 billion in goods and services from South Korea in 2010. Goods accounted for $49 billion, or about 2.6% of total U.S. goods imports of $1.9 trillion. As a consequence, the United States experienced a merchandise trade deficit with South Korea in 2010 of $10 billion, or about 1.5% of the total U.S. merchandise trade deficit. Despite being the seventh largest U.S. trade partner, export opportunities for the United States are limited because of the size of the South Korean market, which consists of some 50 million consumers.

Table 2 and Table 3 list key U.S. exports to and imports from South Korea, respectively. The products in the tables represent 88% of all U.S. exports to and imports from South Korea. Table 2 indicates that U.S. exports to South Korea are varied, with the top five such U.S. exports accounting for about 50% of all U.S. exports to South Korea. These categories are: machinery (e.g., for manufacturing semiconductor devices), electrical machinery (especially integrated circuits and semiconductor devices), medical instruments, civilian aircraft engines and parts, and organic chemicals. (For more export and import detail, see Table B -1 .)

Table 3 shows that U.S. imports from South Korea are narrowly focused and more concentrated than are U.S. exports. Nearly 70% of all import categories are concentrated in three broad sectors. These are: electrical machinery (especially telephone sets and other apparatus for voice/image/data transmission), non-electrical machinery (especially parts and accessories for office machines, refrigerators and freezers, and washing machines), and motor vehicles (primarily passenger cars, parts, and accessories). (For more detail, see Table B -2 .)

Potential National Sector-Specific Trade Effects of the KORUS FTA

According to studies conducted by the USITC, U.S. exports of goods to South Korea under the KORUS FTA could increase by more than imports from South Korea, in both percentage and value terms, slightly reducing, but not eliminating the U.S. trade deficit with South Korea. With this slight reduction in the U.S. trade deficit with South Korea, however, the overall U.S. trade deficit with the world would change almost imperceptibly. The USITC projects that, compared with a no KORUS FTA scenario, total U.S. merchandise exports to South Korea as a result of the FTA would grow over the 10-year implementation period, by about 24% an average of about 2% per year, and merchandise imports would grow by about 10%, or an average of about 1% per year, as indicated in Figure 1 . For most products, major increases in exports could occur in the latter part of the phase-in period. The study cautions, however, that without a full quantitative analysis of services trade and international investment patterns, simulation results of the USITC study in general should not be interpreted as changes in total imports and exports, or as implying meaningful information about the balance of trade impact of the entire U.S.-Korea FTA.

U.S. imports in some sectors could rise more than normally expected as a consequence of the KORUS FTA. According to the USITC, such imports as textiles, apparel, leather products, petroleum and coal products, metal products, and motor vehicles and parts could increase over the full implementation period of the agreement.

USITC Estimates of Total Sectoral Changes

The USITC used an economic model known as the Global Trade Atlas Project (GTAP), located at Purdue University to estimate quantitative changes in trade (exports and imports) for 40 sectors. These estimations are based on KORUS FTA changes in tariff rates and tariff rate quotas at the end of the phase-in period of the agreement. The results are reported as a range of high and low proportional effects (percentage increases or decreases in trade) and high and low potential changes in trade values for various sectors, relative to trade flows that would have occurred in 2008 if there were no FTA with South Korea. Table 4 lists these in three groups: (1) sectors for which increases in U.S. exports to South Korea are expected to exceed increases in U.S. imports from South Korea; (2) industries for which U.S. exports and imports are not expected to increase; and (3) sectors for which U.S. imports from South Korea are expected to exceed U.S. exports to South Korea.

Note that macroeconomic changes, such as changes in investment patterns, shifts in the relative values of foreign currencies, and changes in types of goods traded can overwhelm the impact on trade of changes in tariffs, such as would occur under the KORUS FTA.

Possible State Export Effects of the KORUS FTA

At the state level, tables are included for each state in Appendix A . Each state table lists: (1) the top-10 state exports to South Korea at the two-digit harmonized tariff schedule (HTS) level; (2) their dollar value for 2010; and (3) the state's share of total exports to South Korea that the sector's exports represent. These listings may be compared with the USITC-projected direction of trade estimated to result from the KORUS FTA upon full implementation for that highly-aggregated sector at the national level . At a disaggregated level, the composition of trade for any given state may differ considerably from that at the national level. However, because the GTAP model uses only highly-aggregated sectors, the extent of that difference cannot be determined. Exports in the state tables are reported at the two-digit level to correspond with similar categories in the GTAP model.

Census Data

The export data for the various states are from the Census Bureau's series showing the Origin of Movement (OM) of state-level exports, by foreign destination. The Census Bureau's OM Data Series is compiled from the Electronic Export Information (EEI) filed by exporters or their agents. The data represent a shipment of one or more kinds of merchandise from one exporter to one foreign importer on a single carrier. The state identified in the data is that from which the merchandise starts its journey. It represents the origin of transportation , not the origin of production of the exports. According to the Census Bureau, there are a number of known limitations to the data. In particular, whenever shipments represent a consolidation of goods, such as through warehouses, the state with the warehouse will be credited with the exports, rather than the state of origin of the exports. This caveat is particularly relevant to agricultural products shipped from inland states down the Mississippi River for export from the port of New Orleans. In this case, New Orleans would be credited as the state of origin of the exports. In addition, when goods are stored and then exported by central offices or intermediaries, export data would understate exports from the original production state and overstate exports from the office or consolidation point.

Generally speaking, OM data tend to overestimate exports from port states such as California and New York, and underestimate exports from such interior states as Iowa, Missouri, and South Dakota. For more details, see Appendix C .

Table 5 lists state exports to South Korea based on available OM data. It also includes: (1) information on state shares of all U.S. exports to South Korea, and (2) state exports to South Korea as a share of total state exports to the world. CRS did not attempt to rank the states by the OM data because of limitations explained above—namely that the data tend to overestimate or underestimate exports for various states.

State tables follow in Appendix A , listed alphabetically.

Appendix A. State Tables

Alabama

In 2010, Alabama shipped close to $600 million in goods to South Korea, according to the Census Bureau. This represented 1% of all U.S. exports to South Korea, and nearly 4% of the state's total exports to the world. The top 10 products accounted for 90% of Alabama's total exports to South Korea. By the end of the KORUS FTA implementation period, based on USITC's analysis (see table, below):

Net exports (exports minus imports) could increase in: optical instruments (optical fiber); organic chemicals; plastic; machinery (including engines, motors, and office machine parts); iron and steel scrap; ores, Slag, Ash; paper and paperboard; miscellaneous chemical products; woodpulp; and cereals (corn). According to CRS estimates detailed in Appendix C , data underestimate manufacturing exports from Alabama by at least 25%.

Alaska

In 2010, Alaska shipped nearly $500 million in goods to South Korea, according to the Census Bureau. This represented 1% of all U.S. exports to South Korea, and nearly 12% of the state's total exports to the world. The top 10 products accounted for virtually 100% of Alaska's total exports to South Korea. By the end of the KORUS FTA implementation period, based on USITC's analysis:

Net exports could increase in: fish and seafood; ores, slag, ash; wood; powered aircraft; electrical machinery (electric motors and generators); prepared fish (fish sticks); fish meal for animal feed; fish/animal bait; machinery (engines and motors); and optical and medical instruments.

Arizona

In 2010, Arizona shipped nearly $250 million in goods to South Korea, according to the Census Bureau. This represented 1% of all U.S. exports to South Korea, and nearly 2% of the state's total exports to the world. The top 10 products accounted for 87% of Arizona's total exports to South Korea. By the end of the KORUS FTA implementation period, based on USITC's analysis:

Net exports could increase in: electrical machinery (integrated circuits); ores, slag, and ash; optical and medical instruments; cotton; machinery (including semiconductor manufacturing equipment and office machine parts); aircraft parts; copper; and woodpulp. Net exports could decline in: cattle hides and skins. Exports in one industry are not estimated in the USITC study: arms and ammunitions (bombs, grenades). According to CRS estimates detailed in Appendix C , data overestimate both manufactured and agricultural exports from Arizona by at least 25%.

Arkansas

In 2010, Arkansas shipped $145 million in goods to South Korea, according to the Census Bureau. This represented less than 0.5% of all U.S. exports to South Korea, and less than 3% of the state's total exports to the world. The top 10 products accounted for 97% of Arkansas' total exports to South Korea. By the end of the KORUS FTA implementation period, based on USITC's analysis:

Net exports could increase in: organic chemicals; poultry; paper and paperboard; electrical machinery (especially electromechanical tools); machinery (especially hand tools); iron and steel; miscellaneous chemical products; inorganic chemicals; and plastic. Exports in one industry are not estimated in the USITC study: arms and ammunition. According to CRS estimates detailed in Appendix C , data underestimate agricultural exports from Arkansas by at least 25%.

California

In 2010, California shipped $8 billion in goods to South Korea, according to the Census Bureau. This represented 21% of all U.S. exports to South Korea, and nearly 6% of the state's total exports to the world. The top 10 products accounted for 78% of California's total exports to South Korea. By the end of the KORUS FTA implementation period, based on USITC's analysis:

Net exports could increase in: machinery (semiconductors); electrical machinery (integrated circuits); medical instruments; iron and steel scrap; aircraft engines and parts; edible fruit and nuts; aluminum waste scrap; food preparations; and inorganic chemicals. Net exports could decline in: mineral fuel oil (from coal tar). According to CRS estimates detailed in Appendix C , data overestimate manufacturing exports from California by at least 25%.

Colorado

In 2010, Colorado shipped about $200 million in goods to South Korea, according to the Census Bureau. This represented 0.5% of all U.S. exports to South Korea, and 3% of the state's total exports to the world. The top 10 products accounted for 91% of Colorado's total exports to South Korea. By the end of the KORUS FTA implementation period, based on USITC's analysis:

Net exports could increase in: beef; optical and medical instruments; machinery (including computers and components); electrical machinery (including integrated circuits); aluminum; copper; plastic; iron and steel (rolled); and books, newspapers, and manuscripts. Net exports could decline in hides and skins. According to CRS estimates detailed in Appendix C , data underestimate manufactured exports from Colorado by at least 25%.

Connecticut

In 2010, Connecticut shipped nearly $500 million in goods to South Korea, according to the Census Bureau. This represented 1% of all U.S. exports to South Korea, and 3% of the state's total exports to the world. The top 10 products accounted for 95% of Connecticut's total exports to South Korea. By the end of the KORUS FTA implementation period, based on USITC's analysis:

Net exports could increase in: powered aircraft; machinery (especially gas turbines and semiconductor manufacturing equipment); electrical machinery (especially that relating to generators); optical and medical instruments (including liquid crystal lasers); miscellaneous chemical products; inorganic chemicals; and plastic. Net exports could decline in: iron and steel products. According to CRS estimates detailed in Appendix C , data underestimate both manufacturing and agricultural exports from Connecticut by at least 25%.

Delaware

In 2010, Delaware shipped $120 million in goods to South Korea, according to the Census Bureau. This represented less than 0.5% of all U.S. exports to South Korea, and less than 3% of the state's total exports to the world. The top 10 products accounted for 97% of Delaware's total exports to South Korea. By the end of the KORUS FTA implementation period, based on USITC's analysis:

Net exports could increase in: plastic; machinery (machine tool parts); medical instruments; soap, wax; civilian aircraft engines; miscellaneous chemical products; organic chemicals; pharmaceutical products; and inorganic chemicals. Net exports could decline in iron and steel products

Florida

In 2010, Florida shipped nearly $500 million in goods to South Korea, according to the Census Bureau. This represented about 1% of all U.S. exports to South Korea, and nearly 1% of the state's total exports to the world. The top 10 products accounted for 80% of Florida's total exports to South Korea. By the end of the KORUS FTA implementation period, based on USITC's analysis:

Net exports could increase in: plastic; medical devices (including orthopedic appliances, artificial body parts, and hearing aids); machinery (including gas turbines); electrical machinery (including integrated circuits); civilian aircraft engines; tanks and other armored fight vehicles; and pharmaceuticals. Net exports could decline in motor vehicles and parts, leather articles and solid fuels from coal. Exports in one industry are not estimated in the USITC study: repaired military products. According to CRS estimates detailed in Appendix C , data overestimate both manufacturing and agricultural exports from Florida by at least 25%.

Georgia

In 2010, Georgia shipped close to $650 million in goods to South Korea, according to the Census Bureau. This represented 2% of all U.S. exports to South Korea, and more than 2% of the state's total exports to the world. The top 10 products accounted for 78% of Georgia's total exports to South Korea. By the end of the KORUS FTA implementation period, based on USITC's analysis:

Net exports could increase in: machinery; civilian aircraft engines and parts; woodpulp; plastic; medical instruments; electrical machinery; organic chemicals; salt, sulfur, earth, stone; iron and steel; and miscellaneous chemical products.

Hawaii

In 2010, Hawaii shipped $15 million in goods to South Korea, according to the Census Bureau. This represented less than 0.04% of all U.S. exports to South Korea, and more than 2% of the state's total exports to the world. The top 10 products accounted for 86% of Hawaii's total exports to South Korea. By the end of the KORUS FTA implementation period, based on USITC's analysis:

Net exports could increase in: civilian aircraft engines and parts; cocoa products; edible fruit and nuts; aluminum waste and scrap; preserved nuts and seeds; machinery (especially computers and components); woodpulp; and fish and seafood (especially shrimp). Net exports could decrease in copper articles. Exports in one industry are not estimated in the USITC study: paintings and drawings.

Idaho

In 2010, Idaho shipped more than $500 million in goods to South Korea, according to the Census Bureau. This represented 1% of all U.S. exports to South Korea, and nearly 10% of the state's total exports to the world. The top 10 products accounted for 99% of Idaho's total exports to South Korea. By the end of the KORUS FTA implementation period, based on USITC's analysis:

Net exports could increase in: electrical machinery (integrated circuits), cheese and nonfat dry milk; paper and paperboard; machinery (semiconductor manufacturing equipment); special purpose motor vehicles; beauty products; processed potato chips; vegetables; and woodpulp. Export change in one industry is not estimated in the USITC study: exports of arms and ammunition According to CRS estimates detailed in Appendix C , data underestimate agricultural exports from Idaho by at least 25%.

Illinois

In 2010, Illinois shipped close to $1 billion in goods to South Korea, according to the Census Bureau. This represented 2% of all U.S. exports to South Korea, and nearly 2% of the state's total exports to the world. The top 10 products accounted for 70% of Illinois' total exports to South Korea. By the end of the KORUS FTA implementation period, based on USITC's analysis:

Net exports could increase in: electrical machinery (especially electrical apparatus for telephone-related equipment); medical instruments; various types of machinery; animal feeds; tractors; chemical products; synthetic precious stones; iron and steel scrap; civilian aircraft engines and parts; and corn. Net exports could decline in: motor vehicles, including passenger cars, parts and accessories. According to CRS estimates detailed in Appendix C , data underestimate agricultural exports from Illinois by at least 25%.

Indiana

In 2010, Indiana shipped more than $500 million in goods to South Korea, according to the Census Bureau. This represented 1% of all U.S. exports to South Korea, and nearly 2% of the state's total exports to the world. The top 10 products accounted for 90% of Indiana's total exports to South Korea. By the end of the KORUS FTA implementation period, based on USITC's analysis:

Net exports could increase in: pharmaceutical products; machinery (especially computers and components); orthopedic appliances, artificial body parts, and medical instruments; tanks and other armored fight vehicles and parts; electrical machinery; plastic; miscellaneous chemical products; aluminum; books, newspapers and manuscripts; and stone plaster and cement. Net exports could decline in motor vehicles, parts, and accessories. According to CRS estimates detailed in Appendix C , data underestimate agricultural exports from Indiana by at least 25%.

Iowa

In 2010, Iowa shipped $224 million in goods to South Korea, according to the Census Bureau. This represented 1% of all U.S. exports to South Korea, and more than 2% of the state's total exports to the world. The top 10 products accounted for 82% of Iowa's total exports to South Korea. By the end of the KORUS FTA implementation period, based on USITC's analysis:

Net exports could increase in: pork; aluminum; machinery (including piston engines); optical and medical instruments; pharmaceutical products; animal feeds; electrical machinery (radar apparatus and navigational and remote control apparatus); prepared meat (sausages); civilian aircraft engines and parts; and paper and paperboard. According to CRS estimates detailed in Appendix C , data underestimate both manufactured and agricultural exports from Iowa by at least 25%.

Kansas

In 2010, Kansas shipped $228 million in goods to South Korea, according to the Census Bureau. This represented 1% of all U.S. exports to South Korea, and more than 2% of the state's total exports to the world. The top 10 products accounted for 94% of Kansas' total exports to South Korea. By the end of the KORUS FTA implementation period, based on USITC's analysis:

Net exports could increase in: beef; inorganic chemicals; pet food; machinery (including self-propelled bulldozers; graders, and scrapers); civilian aircraft engines and parts; miscellaneous chemical products; and optical and medical instruments. Net exports could decline in: cattle and horse hides and skins, and synthetic filament yarn. Exports in one industry are not estimated in the USITC study: repaired military products. According to CRS estimates detailed in Appendix C , data underestimate both manufactured and agricultural exports from Kansas by at least 25%.

Kentucky

In 2010 Kentucky shipped nearly $500 million in goods to South Korea, according to the Census Bureau. This represented 1% of all U.S. exports to South Korea, and nearly 3% of the state's total exports to the world. The top 10 products accounted for 89% of Kentucky's total exports to South Korea. By the end of the KORUS FTA implementation period, based on USITC's analysis:

Net exports could increase in: inorganic chemicals; plastic (silicone); machinery (especially semiconductor manufacturing equipment); pharmaceutical products (blood and vaccines); miscellaneous chemical products; electrical machinery; optical and medical instruments, and organic chemicals. Net exports could decline in vehicle parts. Exports in one industry are not estimated in the USITC study: exports of arms and ammunition. According to CRS estimates detailed in Appendix C , data underestimate agricultural exports from Kentucky by at least 25%.

Louisiana

In 2010, Louisiana shipped $2 billion in goods to South Korea, according to the Census Bureau. This represented 4% of all U.S. exports to South Korea, and 4% of the state's total exports to the world. The top 10 products accounted for 97% of Louisiana's total exports to South Korea. By the end of the KORUS FTA implementation period, based on USITC's analysis:

Net exports could increase in: corn; soybeans; organic chemicals; animal feed (soymeal and distillers' grains); machinery (hoists); iron and steel scrap; plastic; soybean oil; and miscellaneous chemical products. Net exports could decline in oils from high temperature coal tar. According to CRS estimates detailed in Appendix C , data overestimate agricultural exports from Louisiana by at least 25%.

Maine

In 2010, Maine shipped nearly $100 million in goods to South Korea, according to the Census Bureau. This represented less than 0.5% of all U.S. exports to South Korea, and more than 3% of the state's total exports to the world. The top 10 products accounted for 98% of Maine's total exports to South Korea. By the end of the KORUS FTA implementation period, based on USITC's analysis:

Net exports could increase in: miscellaneous chemical products; woodpulp; civilian aircraft engines and parts; electrical machinery (integrated circuits); paper and paperboard; machinery (pumps and machine tools); fish and seafood (lobster and frozen eels); plastic; and pharmaceutical products. Exports in one industry are not estimated in the USITC study: arms and ammunition (parts and accessories).

Maryland

In 2010, Maryland shipped nearly $500 million in goods to South Korea, according to the Census Bureau. This represented 1% of all U.S. exports to South Korea, and nearly 5% of the state's total exports to the world. The top 10 products accounted for 92% of Maryland's total exports to South Korea. By the end of the KORUS FTA implementation period, based on USITC's analysis:

Net exports could increase in: electrical machinery (television, radio, and radar apparatus parts); miscellaneous chemical products; optical and medical instruments; certain base metals; plastic; inorganic chemicals; machinery (especially centrifuges, computers, and components); and aluminum. Net exports could decline in solid fuels from coal. Exports in one industry are not estimated in the USITC study: exports of arms and ammunition. According to CRS estimates detailed in Appendix C , data overestimate manufacturing exports and underestimate agricultural exports from Maryland by at least 25%.

Massachusetts

In 2010, Massachusetts shipped nearly $900 million in goods to South Korea, according to the Census Bureau, according to the Census Bureau This represented 2% of all U.S. exports to South Korea, and more than 3% of the state's total exports to the world. The top 10 products accounted for 91% of Massachusetts' total exports to South Korea. By the end of the KORUS FTA implementation period, based on USITC's analysis:

Net exports could increase in: machinery (semiconductor manufacturing equipment and gas turbines); medical instruments; electrical machinery (especially integrated circuits and electronic apparatus for line telephones); pharmaceutical products; toys and equipment (swimming pools); miscellaneous chemical products; plastic; ferrous waste and scrap; silver; and organic chemicals. According to CRS estimates detailed in Appendix C , data overestimate both manufactured and agricultural exports from Massachusetts by at least 25%.

Michigan

In 2010, Michigan shipped more than $750 million in goods to South Korea, according to the Census Bureau. This represented 2% of all U.S. exports to South Korea, and nearly 2% of the state's total exports to the world. The top 10 products accounted for 82% of Michigan's total exports to South Korea. By the end of the KORUS FTA implementation period, based on USITC's analysis:

Net exports could increase in: various types of motor vehicles and parts; machinery (centrifuges); inorganic chemicals (rare gasses); cosmetics; plastic; medical instruments; soap, wax and dental preparations; and tanning dyeing, painting and putty preparations. Net exports could decline in hides and skins. According to CRS estimates detailed in Appendix C , data underestimate agricultural exports from Michigan by at least 25%.

Minnesota

In 2010, Minnesota shipped more than $620 million in goods to South Korea, according to the Census Bureau. This represented 2% of all U.S. exports to South Korea, and more than 3% of the state's total exports to the world. The top 10 products accounted for 81% of Minnesota's total exports to South Korea. By the end of the KORUS FTA implementation period, based on USITC's analysis:

Net exports could increase in: various types of machinery; medical instruments; plastic; electrical machinery (especially integrated circuits); meats; animal feeds; stone, plaster and cement; and organic chemicals. Net exports could decline in impregnated textile fabrics. According to CRS estimates detailed in Appendix C , data underestimate agricultural exports from Minnesota by at least 25%.

Mississippi

In 2010, Mississippi shipped about $70 million in goods to South Korea, according to the Census Bureau. This represented less than 0.5% of all U.S. exports to South Korea, and less than 1% of the state's total exports to the world. The top 10 products accounted for 92% of Mississippi's total exports to South Korea. By the end of the KORUS FTA implementation period, based on USITC's analysis:

Net exports could increase in: tanning, dye, paint, putty; electrical machinery (including electrical apparatus for line telephony and integrated circuits; machinery (especially computers and components and pumps, fans, and hoods); poultry; rubber; optical and medical instruments; woodpulp; plastic; cotton; and miscellaneous chemical products.

Missouri

In 2010, Missouri shipped more than $650 million in goods to South Korea, according to the Census Bureau. This represented 2% of all U.S. exports to South Korea, and 5% of the state's total exports to the world. The top 10 products accounted for 87% of Missouri's total exports to South Korea. By the end of the KORUS FTA implementation period, based on USITC's analysis:

Net exports could increase in: aircraft and spacecraft parts and vehicles; medical instruments; meat (especially pork); machinery; pharmaceutical products; ores; electrical machinery; and miscellaneous chemical products. Net exports could decline in solid fuels from coal. Export change in one industry is not estimated in the USITC study: military apparel and equipment. According to CRS estimates detailed in Appendix C , data underestimate both manufacturing and agricultural exports from Missouri by at least 25%.

Montana

In 2010, Montana shipped $187 million in goods to South Korea, according to the Census Bureau. This represented 0.5% of all U.S. exports to South Korea, and 13% of the state's total exports to the world. The top 10 products accounted for nearly 100% of Montana's total exports to South Korea. By the end of the KORUS FTA implementation period, based on USITC's analysis:

Net exports could increase in: inorganic chemicals; machinery (semiconductor manufacturing equipment); electrical machinery (insulated wire and optical sheath fiber cables); optical medical instruments (liquid crystal decides and lasers); civilian aircraft engines and parts; and salt, sulfur, earth, and stone; pharmaceutical products. Net exports could decline in solid fuels from coal. Exports in one industry are not estimated in the USITC study: repaired military products. According to CRS estimates detailed in Appendix C , data underestimate agricultural exports from Montana by at least 25%. A substantial portion of the state's agricultural production is processed in neighboring states for export, or transported to port states (i.e., Oregon and Washington) which record them as exports.

Nebraska

In 2010, Nebraska shipped nearly $300 million in goods to South Korea, according to the Census Bureau. This represented 1% of all U.S. exports to South Korea, and nearly 5% of the state's total exports to the world. The top 10 products accounted for 96% of Nebraska's total exports to South Korea. By the end of the KORUS FTA implementation period, based on USITC's analysis:

Net exports could increase in: beef; aluminum; various optical and medical instruments; plastic; pharmaceutical products (blood and vaccines); machinery (including transmission products); tomato products; and electrical machinery (especially electrical apparatus.) Net exports could decline in cattle hides and skins and wadding, felt, twine, and rope. According to CRS estimates detailed in Appendix C , data underestimate both manufactured and agricultural exports from Nebraska by at least 25%.

Nevada

In 2010, Nevada shipped $40 million in goods to South Korea, according to the Census Bureau. This represented less than 0.5% of all U.S. exports to South Korea, and nearly 1% of the state's total exports to the world. The top 10 products accounted for 88% of Nevada's total exports to South Korea. By the end of the KORUS FTA implementation period, based on USITC's analysis:

Net exports could increase in: medical instruments; machinery (especially pumps and parts); electrical machinery (especially integrated circuits); photographic or cinematographic goods; base metals (titanium); inorganic chemicals; mineral water, and civilian aircraft engine equipment and parts. Exports could decline in mineral fuel from coal tar.. Exports in one industry are not estimated in the USITC study: repaired military products. According to CRS estimates detailed in Appendix C , data overestimate manufacturing exports from Nevada by at least 25%.

New Hampshire

In 2010, New Hampshire shipped $131 million in goods to South Korea, according to the Census Bureau. This represented less than 0.5% of all U.S. exports to South Korea, and 3% of the state's total exports to the world. The top 10 products accounted for 98% of New Hampshire's total exports to South Korea. By the end of the KORUS FTA implementation period, based on USITC's analysis:

Net exports could increase: machinery (including various types of pumps); electrical machinery (especially industrial furnaces); optical and medical instruments; civilian aircraft engines and parts; plastic; inorganic chemicals; tanning, dye, paint, and putty; and aluminum. Net exports could decline in iron and steel products. According to CRS estimates detailed in Appendix C , data overestimate agricultural exports from New Hampshire by at least 25%.

New Jersey

In 2010, New Jersey shipped close to $1.7 billion in goods to South Korea, according to the Census Bureau. This represented 4% of all U.S. exports to South Korea, and 5% of the state's total exports to the world. The top 10 products accounted for 83% of New Jersey's total exports to South Korea. By the end of the KORUS FTA implementation period, based on USITC's analysis:

Net exports could increase in: precious metals (platinum); machinery (semiconductor manufacturing equipment); organic chemicals, electrical machinery (integrated circuits); pharmaceutical products; miscellaneous chemical products; medical instruments (orthopedic appliances and artificial body parts); inorganic chemicals and rare earth elements; and iron and steel scrap. Exports in one category: arms and ammunition, are not addressed in the USITC study. According to CRS estimates detailed in Appendix C , data overestimate both manufacturing and agricultural exports from New Jersey by at least 25%.

New Mexico

In 2010, New Mexico shipped $28 million in goods to South Korea, according to the Census Bureau. This represented less than 0.5% of all U.S. exports to South Korea, and nearly 2% of the state's total exports to the world. The top 10 products accounted for 92% of New Mexico's total exports to South Korea. By the end of the KORUS FTA implementation period, based on USITC's analysis:

Net exports could increase in: civilian aircraft engines and parts; machinery (especially taps, cocks and valves for pipes and semiconductor manufacturing equipment); cotton; dairy products (cheese and whey); electrical machinery (especially semiconductor devices, electric apparatus for switching, and electric capacitors); cereal flour; miscellaneous chemical products; plastic; and optical and medical instruments. Exports could decline in articles of nickel. According to CRS estimates detailed in Appendix C , data underestimate agricultural exports from New Mexico by at least 25%.

New York

In 2010, New York shipped nearly $2 billion in goods to South Korea, according to the Census Bureau. This represented 5% of all U.S. exports to South Korea, and nearly 3% of the state's total exports to the world. The top 10 products accounted for 82% of New York's total exports to South Korea. By the end of the KORUS FTA implementation period, based on USITC's analysis:

Net exports could increase in: machinery (semiconductor manufacturing equipment); civilian aircraft engines and parts; electrical machinery (integrated circuits); optical and medical instruments; miscellaneous chemical products; plastics; and wood pulp. Exports in three categories: repaired military products, arms and ammunition, and art and antiques, are not addressed in the USITC study. According to CRS estimates detailed in Appendix C , data overestimate both manufacturing and agricultural exports from New York by at least 25%.

North Carolina

In 2010, North Carolina shipped more than $600 million in goods to South Korea, according to the Census Bureau. This represented 2% of all U.S. exports to South Korea, and more than 2% of the state's total exports to the world. The top 10 products accounted for 82% of North Carolina's total exports to South Korea. By the end of the KORUS FTA implementation period, based on USITC's analysis:

Net exports could increase in: machinery (including engines and air and vacuum pumps); electrical machinery (especially integrated circuits and semiconductor devices); plastic; precious stones with precious metals; pharmaceutical products; meat (especially pork); woodpulp; and tobacco. Net exports could decline in synthetic filament yarn and motor vehicles, parts and accessories. According to CRS estimates detailed in Appendix C , data underestimate agricultural exports from North Carolina by at least 25%.

North Dakota

In 2010, North Dakota shipped $11 million in goods to South Korea, according to the Census Bureau. This represented less than 0.5% of all U.S. exports to South Korea, and less than 1% of the state's total exports to the world. The top 10 products accounted for 97% of North Dakota's total exports to South Korea. By the end of the KORUS FTA implementation period, based on USITC's analysis:

Net exports could increase in: machinery (self-propelled bulldozers, graders, and scrapers); soybeans; edible fruit and nuts, electrical machinery (line telegraph equipment); organic chemicals, prepared sausage; and dried peas. Net exports could decline in passenger vehicles, possibly increase in tractors; and stay about the same in wheat and wheat flour. According to CRS estimates detailed in Appendix C , data underestimate manufacturing and agricultural exports from North Dakota by at least 25%.

Ohio

In 2010, Ohio shipped nearly $650 million in goods to South Korea, according to the Census Bureau. This represented 2% of all U.S. exports to South Korea, and close to 2% of the state's total exports to the world. The top 10 products accounted for 76% of Ohio's total exports to South Korea. By the end of the KORUS FTA implementation period, based on USITC's analysis:

Net exports could increase in: machinery; electrical machinery; medical instruments; base metals; chemical products; plastic; tanning, dye, painting and putty products, and organic chemicals. Net exports could decline in, passenger cars, parts, and accessories; and possibly increase in armored fight vehicles and parts; According to CRS estimates detailed in Appendix C , data underestimate agricultural exports from Ohio by at least 25%.

Oklahoma

In 2010, Oklahoma shipped $58 million in goods to South Korea, according to the Census Bureau. This represented less than 0.5% of all U.S. exports to South Korea, and about 1% of the state's total exports to the world. The top 10 products accounted for 93% of Oklahoma's total exports to South Korea. By the end of the KORUS FTA implementation period, based on USITC's analysis:

Net exports could increase in: machinery (especially gas turbines and pumps); cotton, medical instruments; civilian aircraft engines and parts; meat (pork); glue-like substances; miscellaneous chemical products; books, newspapers, and manuscripts; Net exports could decline in iron and steel products. According to CRS estimates detailed in Appendix C , data underestimate both manufacturing and agricultural exports from Oklahoma by at least 25%.

Oregon

In 2010, Oregon shipped close to $1 billion in goods to South Korea, according to the Census Bureau. This represented 2% of all U.S. exports to South Korea, and 5% of the state's total exports to the world. The top 10 products accounted for 89% of Oregon's total exports to South Korea. By the end of the KORUS FTA implementation period, based on USITC's analysis:

Net exports could increase in: fertilizers; machinery (semiconductor manufacturing equipment); electrical machinery (integrated circuits and semiconductor devices); forage products; ferrous waste and scrap; medical instruments; aluminum waste and scrap; preserved food (processed potato products); and paper and paperboard. Net exports could stay the same in wheat. According to CRS estimates detailed in Appendix C , data overestimate agricultural exports from Oregon by at least 25%.

Pennsylvania

In 2010, Pennsylvania shipped close to $1 billion in goods to South Korea, according to the Census Bureau. This represented 2% of all U.S. exports to South Korea, and more than 2% of the state's total exports to the world. The top 10 products accounted for 70% of Pennsylvania's total exports to South Korea. By the end of the KORUS FTA implementation period, based on USITC's analysis:

Net exports could increase in: machinery (especially metal rolling mills computers, and components); medical instruments; various types of electrical machinery; inorganic chemicals; iron and steel; plastic, soap wax; cocoa; and miscellaneous chemical products. Net exports could decline in solid fuels from coal. According to CRS estimates detailed in Appendix C , data underestimate agricultural exports from Pennsylvania by at least 25%.

Rhode Island

In 2010, Rhode Island shipped $17 million in goods to South Korea, according to the Census Bureau. This represented less than 0.5% of all U.S. exports to South Korea, and close to 1% of the state's total exports to the world. The top 10 products accounted for 93% of Rhode Island's total exports to South Korea. By the end of the KORUS FTA implementation period, based on USITC's analysis:

Net exports could increase in: machinery; optical and medical instruments; articles of silver; plastic; electrical machinery; soap, wax; fish and seafood (especially frozen eels); and woodpulp. Net exports could decline in wadding, felt, twine, and rope; and iron and steel products. According to CRS estimates detailed in Appendix C , data underestimate both manufacturing and agricultural exports from Rhode Island by at least 25%.

South Carolina

In 2010, South Carolina shipped nearly $400 million in goods to South Korea, according to the Census Bureau. This represented 1% of all U.S. exports to South Korea, and nearly 2% of the state's total exports to the world. The top 10 products accounted for 86% of South Carolina's total exports to South Korea. By the end of the KORUS FTA implementation period, based on USITC's analysis:

Net exports could increase in; medical instruments (orthopedic appliances, artificial joints); woodpulp; machinery (especially roller bearings and parts and computers and components); paper and paperboard; plastic; pharmaceutical products; rubber (especially tires); organic chemicals; and miscellaneous chemical products. Net exports could decline in vehicles (motor vehicle parts and accessories; and passenger cars). According to CRS estimates detailed in Appendix C , data underestimate agricultural exports from South Carolina by at least 25%.

South Dakota

In 2010, South Dakota shipped $13 million in goods to South Korea, according to the Census Bureau. This represented less than 0.5% of all U.S. exports to South Korea, and 1% of the state's total exports to the world. The top 10 products accounted for 98% of South Dakota's total exports to South Korea. By the end of the KORUS FTA implementation period, based on USITC's analysis:

Net exports could increase in: meat pork; toys and sports equipment (arcade tables); machinery (self-propelled bulldozers, graders, and scrapers); salt, sulfur, earth and stone; organic chemicals; dairy (cheese and curd); explosives (fireworks and signal flares); electrical machinery (especially semiconductors); and glazier's putty. According to CRS estimates detailed in Appendix C , data underestimate agricultural exports from South Dakota by at least 25%.

Tennessee

In 2010, Tennessee shipped over $550 million in goods to South Korea, according to the Census Bureau. This represented 1% of all U.S. exports to South Korea, and more than 2% of the state's total exports to the world. The top 10 products accounted for 81% of Tennessee's total exports to South Korea. By the end of the KORUS FTA implementation period, based on USITC's analysis:

Net exports could increase in: medical instruments; plastic, tanning, dye and putty; machinery (including computers, components, and parts for engines); woodpulp; electrical machinery; meat (chicken); and pig iron. Net exports could decline in vehicles (especially passenger cars and motor vehicle parts and accessories); and artificial filament yarn. According to CRS estimates detailed in Appendix C , data underestimate manufacturing exports from Tennessee by at least 25%.

Texas

In 2010, Texas shipped more than $6.4 billion in goods to South Korea, according to the Census Bureau. This represented 17% of all U.S. exports to South Korea, and 3% of the state's total exports to the world. The top 10 products accounted for 91% of Texas's total exports to South Korea. By the end of the KORUS FTA implementation period, based on USITC's analysis:

Net exports could increase in: machinery (semiconductor manufacturing equipment and machinery parts); electrical machinery (semiconductor devices and integrated circuits); organic chemicals; plastic; miscellaneous chemical products; medical instruments; and cotton. Net exports could decline in mineral fuel oil (from coal tar); and iron and steel products. According to CRS estimates detailed in Appendix C , data overestimate both manufacturing and agricultural exports from Texas by at least 25%.

Utah

In 2010, Utah shipped nearly $300 million in goods to South Korea, according to the Census Bureau. This represented 1% of all U.S. exports to South Korea, and 2% of the state's total exports to the world. The top 10 products accounted for 86% of Utah's total exports to South Korea. By the end of the KORUS FTA implementation period, based on USITC's analysis:

Net exports could increase in: electrical machinery (integrated circuits); beauty products; miscellaneous food preparations; base metals (zirconium); optical/medical instruments including catheters and X-ray equipment); ores, fruit and vegetable juices; and soap, wax, and dental preparations. Net exports could decline in iron and steel products and motor vehicle parts and accessories. According to CRS estimates detailed in Appendix C , data overestimate manufactured exports from Utah by at least 25%.

Vermont

In 2010, Vermont shipped $130 million in goods to South Korea, according to the Census Bureau. This represented less than 0.5% of all U.S. exports to South Korea, and 3% of the state's total exports to the world. The top 10 products accounted for 99% of Vermont's total exports to South Korea. By the end of the KORUS FTA implementation period, based on USITC's analysis:

Net exports could increase in: electrical machinery (especially integrated circuits); paper and paperboard; optical and medical instruments; machinery (especially semiconductor manufacturing equipment); dairy products (cheese and whey); and copper. Net exports could decline in wadding felt, twine and rope; and iron and steel products (stove elements). Exports in one industry are not estimated in the USITC study: arms and ammunition. According to CRS estimates detailed in Appendix C , data underestimate agricultural exports from Vermont by at least 25%.

Virginia

in 2010, Virginia shipped nearly $400 million in goods to South Korea, according to the Census Bureau. This represented 1% of all U.S. exports to South Korea, and more than 2% of the state's total exports to the world. The top 10 products accounted for 87% of Virginia's total exports to South Korea. By the end of the KORUS FTA implementation period, based on USITC's analysis:

Net exports could increase in: electrical machinery (especially integrated circuits, electric motors and generators); machinery (including machine tools); plastic; paper and paperboard; beauty products; optical and medical instruments; iron and steel (rolled), and meat (especially poultry). Net exports could decline in solid fuel from coal and manmade staple fibers. According to CRS estimates detailed in Appendix C , data overestimate agricultural exports from Virginia by at least 25%.

Washington

In 2010, Washington shipped over $2.7 billion in goods to South Korea, according to the Census Bureau. This represented 7% of all U.S. exports to South Korea, and 5% of the state's total exports to the world. The top 10 products accounted for 82% of Washington's total exports to South Korea. By the end of the KORUS FTA implementation period, based on USITC's analysis:

Net exports could increase in: corn; aircraft (civilian aircraft engines and parts); wood; scrap iron; animal feed; forage products including hay and alfalfa; paper and paperboard; machinery (computers and components); and electrical machinery (integrated circuits). Net exports could decline in mineral fuel oil. According to CRS estimates detailed in Appendix C , data overestimate agricultural exports from Washington by at least 25%.

West Virginia

In 2010, West Virginia shipped over $100 million in goods to South Korea, according to the Census Bureau. This represented less than 0.5% of all U.S. exports to South Korea, and less than 2% of the state's total exports to the world. The top 10 products accounted for 91% of West Virginia's total exports to South Korea. By the end of the KORUS FTA implementation period, based on USITC's analysis:

Net exports could increase in: plastic; nickel (plates, sheets, strip and foil); organic chemicals; soap, wax; ceramic products; aluminum (aluminum plates sheets, and strip); woodpulp; and rubber. Net exports in one industry could decline in mineral fuel (from coal) and iron and steel products. According to CRS estimates detailed in Appendix C , data underestimate agricultural exports from West Virginia by at least 25%.

Wisconsin

In 2010, Wisconsin shipped $360 million in goods to South Korea, according to the Census Bureau. This represented 1% of all U.S. exports to South Korea, and nearly 2% of the state's total exports to the world. The top 10 products accounted for 86% of Wisconsin's total exports to South Korea. By the end of the KORUS FTA implementation period, based on USITC's analysis:

Net exports could increase in: machinery (especially computers and components, refrigerators, freezers and heat pumps); medical instruments; electrical machinery (especially for line telephones and electrical light equipment); meat (frozen beef); preserved food (canned sweet corn); vehicles (parts and accessories for bicycles and wheel chairs); dairy (whey and cheese); soybeans; and plastic. Net exports could decline in raw cattle hides and skins and motor vehicle parts and accessories. According to CRS estimates detailed in Appendix C , data underestimate agricultural exports from Wisconsin by at least 25%.

Wyoming

In 2010, Wyoming shipped nearly $40 million in goods to South Korea, according to the Census Bureau. This represented less than 0.5% of all U.S. exports to South Korea, and nearly 4% of the state's total exports to the world. The top 10 products accounted for virtually 100% of Wyoming's total exports to South Korea. By the end of the KORUS FTA implementation period, based on USITC's analysis:

Net exports could increase in: inorganic chemicals; miscellaneous chemical products; miscellaneous food (baking powders); optical instruments (optical telescopes); salt, sulfur, earth and stone; forage products; plastic (silicone); and machinery (pumps and fans). Net exports could decline in iron and steel products. According to CRS estimates detailed in Appendix C , data overestimate manufacturing exports and underestimate agricultural exports from Wyoming by at least 25%.

Appendix B. Detailed U.S.-South Korea Trade Data

Appendix C. Trade Models and Data Issues

Trade Models

Trade models of the type used in the analysis of the KORUS FTA are part of a class of economic models referred to as computable general equilibrium models (CGE) that incorporate data on trade and a range of domestic economic variables on nearly 100 countries. As a result of this large number of countries, and the vast amounts of data that are used, the models can provide important insights into the mechanisms by which changes in tariffs or other parameters can affect a range of countries. For practical reasons, however, the data in the models must be limited, so the models necessarily must sacrifice some level of precision in their estimating abilities. Since such trade models originally were developed with the intent of analyzing the economic effects of such multi-country trade agreements as the Uruguay Round, this lack of precision was not considered to be an important drawback. However, this lack of precision may be an issue when the models are used to estimate the effects of bilateral trade agreements, especially at the state level, where the overall amount of trade and, therefore, the impact of the agreement, is expected to be less than that of a comprehensive multilateral agreement. In addition, such models do not account for changes in exchange rates, since such effects were considered to be neutral in a large multi-country trade agreement. Movements in exchange rates, however, could have an important impact on trade patterns that involve countries that are parties to a bilateral trade agreement.

In addition, estimates derived from trade models represent a static analysis that does not represent the dynamic effects that likely arise from trade agreements. In particular, the estimates are based on the assumption that all other economic factors would remain constant during the time leading to full implementation. The estimates also are based on the assumption that the composition of trade between the United States and South Korea at the time the estimates were made, in this case 2001 data projected to 2008, would also remain constant. Considering the dynamic nature of both economies, however, these assumptions appear to be unrealistic and may limit the usefulness of the final results of the trade model. If the U.S. and South Korean economies continue to change over the next decade at the rate experienced during the past decade, both economies and the composition of trade between them likely will differ appreciably from what can be projected from current data.

In order to mitigate some of the limitations of the trade model, USITC industry analysts refined the estimates—that is, they prepared a qualitative assessment, of the potential impact of the agreement at the industry level. These estimates provide an analysis of the immediate impact of the agreement and of the phased elimination of tariffs and tariff rate quotas on 40 broadly-defined industrial sectors and on a group of 20 narrowly defined industrial sectors and their sub-sectors. Both of these groups of industries are used in this report to provide estimates of the impact of the KORUS FTA on state-level industries.

State Export Data Issues

As mentioned, this report uses Census Bureau data on the origin of movement of commodities by state to estimate exports to South Korea as a result of the KORUS FTA. The Census Bureau's Origin of Movement (OM) Data Series is compiled from the Electronic Export Information (EEI) filed by exporters or their agents. The OM data series tracks exports from the zip code where their documented transportation begins, not the origin of production, to the country of their foreign destination. The data represent a shipment of one or more kinds of merchandise from one exporter to one foreign importer on a single carrier. The state identified in the data is that from which the final merchandise starts its journey. According to the Census Bureau, there are a number of known limitations to the data. In particular, whenever shipments represent a consolidation of goods, such as through warehouses, the state with the warehouse will be credited with the exports, rather than the state of origin of the exports. This caveat is particularly relevant to agricultural products shipped from inland states down the Mississippi River for export from the port of New Orleans. In this case, New Orleans would be credited as the state of origin of the exports. In addition, when goods are stored and then exported by central offices or intermediaries, export data would understate exports from the original production state and overstate exports from the office or consolidation point.

Generally speaking, the origin of movement (OM) data tend to overestimate exports from port states such as California and New York and underestimate exports from such interior states as Iowa, Missouri, and South Dakota. This miscounting is particularly prevalent when products are either consolidated or stored by central offices or intermediaries before entering official export channels. In such a case, the state-level export data do not provide a precise picture of the product composition of exports from each state to the world or to individual countries such as South Korea. Despite this limitation, these data provide the best available indication of what is produced and exported from each state.

The issue of underestimation or overestimation is less of a problem among manufactured goods than among agricultural products. For manufactured products, the origin of movement and the origin of production often coincide. Typically, manufacturers ship their exports to a foreign destination directly from the factory gate or from a nearby distribution facility. In these instances, the state where the product is manufactured receives credit for the export. CRS estimates that OM data underestimates manufacturing exports by 25% or more in 10 states and overestimates them in 12 states, as shown in Table C -1 . However, manufactured products from different states sometimes are consolidated for export before shipment. When this occurs, the state-of-production-origin is lost. Instead, the state where these manufactured goods are consolidated receives credit for the entire value of the export, even though those products were manufactured in other states. In general, coastal states with large ports such as California, Texas, or New York record higher exports because of these consolidated shipments, while inland states report lower exports.

Several other issues affect state-level trade statistics for manufactured goods. Value-added considerations are not taken into account in recording state level exports. The OM data series only reports the sales price and the state from which the completed/finished product is exported. It does not capture value added by myriads of workers and businesses in states where intermediate steps were taken toward the completion of complex manufactured export goods, such as automobiles and aircraft –exports that are comprised of thousands of parts produced in many different locations. As a result, the OM data seriously underestimates value added in many states. See Table C -1 for a list of states whose exports are overestimated or underestimated by the data series.

Accounting for agricultural exports by state, however, is particularly complicated. The Census Bureau explicitly warns that the OM state export data tend to understate agricultural exports from farm states and inflate agricultural exports from states with major ports that handle large volumes of bulk agricultural commodities (e.g., grains, soybeans) and high-value shipments of processed foods. By CRS calculations, OM data underestimate agricultural exports by at least 25% in more than 28 states, and overestimate such exports by the same extent in 12 states.

Bulk agricultural products in particular are overwhelmingly sold in many interior states to intermediaries, who ship them by barge or rail to major coastal ports to await export. Other unprocessed agricultural products are produced in one state but sent to a warehouse in another state, or to a facility for processing into a food or beverage product, before being exported. When shipped, these products are not counted as exports of the state where the commodities were produced but rather as exports from the state where they began to move to foreign markets. For instance, corn and soybeans produced in Iowa, Missouri, and other Midwestern states are shipped down the Mississippi River for consolidation at the elevators located in New Orleans. Also, a food product produced in Idaho, and then shipped to a Washington wholesaler or freight forwarder for sale abroad, could be credited as an export of Washington state instead of as a export from Idaho under the OM state export data collection system.