Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/1170674
2019 | DOING BUSINESS IN CONNECTICUT | 21 particular, to aerospace parts and components, which make up the largest portion of Connecticut's exports. "This includes jet engines, but also components from hundreds of small companies in the state," she said. "Advanced manufacturing companies are exporting all types of aerospace, medical devices, marine and space components." Exports of aerospace parts alone increased last year by 26.4% to almost $7.2 billion, and now represent 41% of all commodities. But there is good news in other product sectors as well. Exports of industrial machinery and computers rose by 16%, while optic, photo and medical instrument exports increased by nearly 15%. Chemical products and vehicle exports were each up more than 28%, while pharmaceuticals posted a gigantic gain of 664%, from $35.5 million in 2017 to $271.7 million last year. The 2018 numbers also showed a huge increase in exports to Connecticut's number one market. Exports to France, which is home to Airbus' corporate headquarters, jumped by 50% last year, to nearly $3.2 billion. "All of the new Airbus A321s – the largest selling planes out there – are built on Pratt & Whitney engines. That's a big part of it," says Evans. "Also, Airbus buys a lot of parts and different component parts from Kaman." In April 2018, Airbus named Bloomfield-based Kaman, which engineers and designs aerospace parts and makes composite structures, as a "strategic supplier," the highest designation in terms of service, quality, technology, on-time delivery, and readiness to ramp up production when needed. Airbus has been a Kaman client for more than 30 years, describing Kaman's products "a game changer" for its wide-body planes. Connecticut's other top 2018 markets were Germany ($2.33B), Canada ($1.95B), and the United Kingdom ($1.49B). Of the state's top 10 export markets, the largest percentage increases were to Singapore (up 56%), France (50.3%), Germany (27.8%), the Netherlands (24.5%), and China (18.7%). A helping hand When it comes to exports, both the state of Connecticut and federal agencies have a lot to do with the success of local companies on the world stage. For example, DECD administers a State Trade Expansion Promotion (STEP) grant award from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and works closely with organizations like the Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology (CCAT), Connecticut Economic Resource Center (CERC), and the Middletown Export Assistance Center to support small business exporters in a variety of ways, and help them increase their sales. Evans said from a practical standpoint, and as part of a global network of trade professionals operating under the federal Department of Commerce banner, she and her team at the Export Assistance Center take the lead on most initiatives, connecting Connecticut companies with international buyers, and providing everything from market intelligence, trade counseling and business matchmaking to advocacy and commercial diplomacy support. Aerospace products make up the largest portion of Connecticut exports. CT exports by country Rank Country Annual 2017 Annual 2018 % 2017 - 2018 TOTAL EXPORTS 14,783,749,496 17,399,913,482 17.7 1 France 2,114,066,967 3,178,215,217 50.34 2 Germany 1,824,686,109 2,332,009,685 27.8 3 Canada 1,906,951,049 1,952,280,492 2.38 4 United Kingdom 1,300,057,528 1,485,638,498 14.27 5 Mexico 1,036,231,921 948,479,594 -8.47 6 China 795,096,015 943,670,037 18.69 7 Nether- lands 619,400,713 771,225,904 24.51 8 Japan 546,683,110 629,046,651 15.07 9 Singapore 399,476,163 623,280,855 56.02 10 Korea, Republic of 539,062,782 422,934,953 -21.54 INNOVATION & TECHNOLOGY: GLOBAL BUSINESS