Nearly half of all Arkansas exports go to Western Hemisphere countries, according to new state export data obtained this year from the International Trade Administration's Trade Stats Express. According to the report, Global Patterns of State Exports, more than 45 percent of all Arkansas exports go to Western Hemisphere countries.

In addition to this, a report released by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada in April shows that 58 percent of Arkansas agriculture exports to its top five markets go to Western Hemisphere countries. These countries include Mexico, Canada, Haiti and Guatemala.

"The fact that nearly half of all exports and more than half of all Arkansas agriculture exports go to Western Hemisphere countries really underscores the economic importance of this region to the state," said Melvin Torres, director of Western Hemisphere Trade for the World Trade Center Arkansas. "This report also shows that four of the top five markets for Arkansas's agriculture exports are Western Hemisphere countries."

According to the report, 43 percent of total agriculture exports go to Canada and Mexico. Furthermore, one third of all exports from Arkansas go to Canada and Mexico, according to recent data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

"We are constantly working to help Arkansas companies access the global market," Torres said. "There are certain regions like the Western Hemisphere that offer many opportunities in multiple sectors for our state and we are growing those opportunities."

The mission of the World Trade Center Arkansas is to grow trade and increase Arkansas exports by connecting Arkansas businesses to the world through international trade services. The center is part of the University of Arkansas and serves as the trade promotion arm for the Arkansas Economic Development Commission. For more information and valuable updates, please follow the center on Facebook and Twitter, or subscribe to the World Trade Center Arkansas newsletter.