About the State

West Virginia is located in the heart of Appalachia, strategically located and connected to major metropolitan areas up and down the Eastern U.S. and Canada. Learn how our low cost of living and pro-business tax climate coupled with a high quality of life make life better here.

Key Industries

West Virginia's diverse economy has moved beyond our history of resource extraction to include a robust array of products and services. Learn about the key industries that have taken a foothold here and learn why leading companies make their home in the Mountain State.

Business Assistance

The West Virginia Development Office works hard to make the process of locating in West Virginia smooth and seamless. Our team walks with businesses every step of the way to locate a new site, expand facilities, export goods, train to employees, and much more.

Global Engagement

West Virginia is home to more than 130 businesses representing 27 countries from around the world, and West Virginia businesses export goods and services to more than 95 countries. Learn how our international team works out of three worldwide office to foster global engagement.

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Newsroom

Exporting: A big opportunity for West Virginia small businesses

Friday, May 19 2017

Exporting isn’t just for big companies. Small and medium businesses represent 98 percent of the 408,000 businesses that engaged in international trade in 2015, according to the United States Department of Commerce.

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Never explored exporting before? Consider these facts as you look into the possibility. 

Customers. Nearly 95 percent of the world’s potential customers live outside the United States. Many of these international businesses have a demand for West Virginia products.

Profits. The U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration reports that companies that export are 17 percent more profitable than those that don’t.

Diversification. This may be a reason that often gets overlooked. Exporting allows businesses to diversify their customer portfolio which helps them navigate the changes in U.S. economy. Exporting can smooth business cycles, including sales for products related to seasonal use.

Just think West Virginia hardwood lumber or mining equipment manufacturers. Both are key industries in our state. Without exporting, many of these businesses may not be here today.

Assistance. West Virginia businesses don’t have to jump into exporting alone. If you’re new to exporting, the West Virginia Department of Commerce team can provide consulting and guidance to get you started. If you’re already exporting, the Commerce team can provide opportunities to expand your potential. Events such as trade missions create opportunities for West Virginia businesses to get in front of prospective foreign buyers and connect with potential distributors.  Remaining trade events in 2017 include:

Mexico Trade Mission, July 24-25. Deadline to apply: May 31

South Korea and Japan Trade Mission, Sept. 7-13. Deadline to apply: July 7

Trade Winds Southeast Europe, October 16-25. Deadline to apply: August 15

Israel Trade Mission, Dec. 4-7. Deadline to apply: Sept. 29

These markets represent great opportunity for West Virginia small and medium-sized companies offering building products, mining machinery, equipment, analytical instruments and other industrial and consumer products.

For more information on West Virginia Department of Commerce export opportunities, visit worldtradewv.com or contact Enybe Diaz, 304-957-2018, enybe.diaz@wv.gov.