International

The Greater Seattle region frequently receives recognition for its quality of life and global competitiveness. The region's advantages include its strategic geographic location (equidistant from London and Tokyo), advanced manufacturing capability and infrastructure, a critical mass of advanced technology, collaboration among technology sectors, diverse economic base (from agriculture to services to international trade), quality educational and health care institutions, well-educated work force, cultural and recreational opportunities and the international experience and outlook of its people.

Washington State ranks first in the US for exports per capita, valued at $8,384 in 2005. The 2005 value of Washington State originated exports was $37.9 billion, not including exports of computer software (valued at $5 to $10 billion annually), architectural and engineering design or other professional services. The value of all exports in 2005 from Washington State ports (including pass-through goods) was $52 billion. International trade accounts for one out of every three jobs in the local economy. Commercial ties abroad are complemented by strong civic, cultural and personal relationships that include sister city, sister county, sister port and sister state ties throughout the world.

Trade Development Alliance of Greater Seattle
The Trade Development Alliance of Greater Seattle is a partnership of the City of Seattle, the City of Everett, the Ports of Seattle, Tacoma and Everett, the Greater Seattle Chamber of Commerce, King County, Snohomish County, Pierce County and union leadership created to promote the Greater Seattle area as one of North Americas premier international trade gateways and commercial centers. The Trade Alliance organizes business missions, hosts trade delegations, and provides trade related information about the region. For further information, call (206) 389-7301, e-mail: tdags@seattlechamber.com or see the Trade Alliance web site at www.seattletradealliance.com.

TOP 10 Trading Partners

Based on 2005 Exports Originated in Washington State, in Billions of US Dollars

1. Japan - $6.37
2. Canada - $5.20
3. China - $5.09
4. China (Taiwan) - $3.12
5. Ireland - $1.85
6. Korea, Republic of - $1.79
7. United Arab Emirates - $1.52
8. Singapore - $1.24
9. France - $0.98
10. Australia - $0.96
    TOTAL ALL COUNTRIES $37.948

Source: Washington State Department of Community, Trade & Economic Development

Top 10 Exports by Industry Sector

2005, Washington origination exports in billions of U.S.dollars*

1. Aircraft, Spacecraft and Parts - $19.93
2. Industrial Machinery, including Computers - $2.01
3. Oil Seeds, etc., Misc. Grain, Seed Fruit - $1.77
4. Cereals - $1.68
5. Electric Machinery, Sound Equip., TV Equip., Parts - $1.65
6. Optic, Photo etc., Medical or Surgical - $1.19
7. Mineral Fuel and Oil - $1.13
8. Wood and Articles of Wood - $ .81
9. Paper and Paperboard - $ .75
10. Edible Fruits and Nuts - $ .65
    TOTAL ALL INDUSTRIES - $37.948

* Does not include the value of service exports such as software, education, architectural services and other industries well represented in the Seattle area.

See: http://www.cted.wa.gov.

Source: Washington State Department of Community, Trade & Economic Development, MISER data

Seattle Sister Cities

With 21 sister cities, Seattle has the second largest sister city program in the US. Listed with date of establishment:

Kobe, Japan (1957)
Bergen, Norway (1967)
Tashkent, Uzbekistan (1973)
Beer Sheva, Israel (1977)
Mazatlan, Mexico (1979)
Nantes, France (1980)
Christchurch, New Zealand (1981)
Mombasa, Kenya (1981)
Chongqing, China (1983)
Limbe, Cameroon (1984)
Galway, Ireland (1986)
Reykjavik, Iceland (1986)
Daejon (Taejon), Korea (1989)
Kaohsiung, Taiwan (1991)
Pecs, Hungary (1991)
Cebu, Philippines (1991)
Perugia, Italy (1991)
Surabaya, Indonesia (1992)
Gdynia, Poland (1993)
Haiphong, Vietnam (1996)
Sihanoukville, Cambodia (1999)