U.S.  Technology Exports Up by $8 Billion in 2005
China Remains a Key Trading Partner, with U.S. Tech Exports to China Increasing by 14 Percent and Tech Imports from China Jumping by 26 Percent in 2005

Washington, DC (April 19, 2006) – U.S. high-tech goods exports increased by four percent from $191 billion in 2004 to $199 billion in 2005, according to AeA's ninth annual Cyberstates 2006 report, a study released today.  It also shows that U.S. electronics imports rose by nine percent during the same time period, and that the technology goods deficit in 2005 reached a record $96 billion.

Cyberstates 2006 shows that 2005 was the third consecutive year of growing high-tech exports, with increases in six of the eight industry sectors. The leading sectors were electromedical equipment (+13%) and consumer electronics (+12%).  

“These data reinforce the idea that high tech is a global industry,” said William T. Archey, President and CEO of AeA.  “For American technology companies, the world is their marketplace and supply chain.  Trade keeps American business strong, it supports American jobs, and it serves customers around the world, all of which keep the tech industry internationally competitive.  Many of the technology imports into the United States, particularly from China, Taiwan, and Mexico, are intra-company transfers from U.S. production facilities overseas that ship parts and finished products back to their domestic facilities."

On a country basis, the largest markets for U.S. high-tech exports in 2005 were the European Union ($43 billion), Canada ($30 billion), Mexico ($27 billion), Japan ($13 billion), China ($10 billion), and South Korea ($9.9 billion).  On the other side of the trade picture, the United States imported the most high-tech products from China ($86 billion), Mexico ($38 billion), the European Union ($33 billion), Japan ($32 billion), and Malaysia ($28 billion).

The fastest growing large export markets ($1 billion or more) for U.S. tech exports in 2005 were Venezuela (+33%), Brazil (+20%), Colombia (+19%), Thailand (+17%), and India (+15%).

Cyberstates provides a comprehensive review of the high-tech industry nationally and in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico by high-tech employment, wages, payroll, establishments, and trade.  Cyberstates 2006 also offers data on venture capital investments and R&D expenditures.

AeA members can purchase the report for $95; non-members for $190. Please visit www.aeanet.org/cyberstates to download the report, or call 408.987.4200.  

U.S.   High-Tech Goods Exports
(in billions of current U.S. dollars)

U.S.   High-Tech Goods Exports by Country
(in billions of current U.S. dollars)

U.S.   High-Tech Goods Imports by Country
(in billions of current U.S.   dollars)

Data are rounded.

Source: Cyberstates 2006

- # # # -

About AeA

AeA, founded in 1943, is a nationwide trade association that represents all segments of the technology industry and is dedicated solely to helping our members’ top line and bottom line.     We do this in partnership with our small, medium, and large member companies by lobbying governments at the state, federal, and international levels, providing access to capital and business opportunities, and offering select business services and networking programs.  For more information, please visit www.aeanet.org.    

This page was last updated on 04/18/06.      
Copyright © 2006 American Electronics Association. All rights reserved.