Colorado's central location within North America, its supportive business climate and well-trained workforce, and the broad array of high-quality products found locally add up to a formula for successful exporting. Our goal at the International Trade Office is to be a partner to Colorado businesses with the desire and commitment to enter the global market.

Colorado businesses currently export about $8 billion worth of manufactured and agricultural products annually. We estimate that exporting from the state supports about 89,000 jobs.  In 2005, Colorado exported to 193 foreign destinations, with Canada and Mexico as its top two trading partners.

Through exporting, your company can:

Increase Sales and Profits

If a company is performing well domestically, expansion into foreign markets may improve profitability. Small and medium-sized firms generated nearly one-fifth of Colorado's merchandise exports in 2004.

Gain Global Market Share

Over 95% of the world's population is outside of the United States.  Companies can reduce dependence on existing domestic markets by expanding internationally.  Exporting also helps small companies grow and become more competitive in all their markets.

Stabilize Market Fluctuations

By expanding into foreign markets, companies are no longer held captive to economic changes, consumer demands, and seasonal fluctuations within the domestic economy.

Sell Excess Production Capacity

By exporting, production capacity and length of production may increase, thereby decreasing average per unit costs and increasing economies of scale.

Enhance Competitiveness

Exporting is proven to enhance competitive advantage. While the firm will benefit from new exposure to technologies, methods, and processes, the country will benefit from an improved balance of trade.

Create Domestic Jobs

It is estimated that more than 15% of all manufacturing workers in Colorado depend on exports for their jobs.  Nationwide, about one in every five manufacturing jobs - or 20 percent - depends on exports.

Help Reduce the Trade Deficit

In 2006, exports represented 11.1% of the U.S. Gross Domestic Product (GDP), up from only 9.6% in 2002.