Analysis of Global Competitiveness of Selected Industries and Clusters in the Appalachian Region

This report details current export trends and future market prospects for 12 major industry groups of Appalachia, with detailed analysis of seven key industry clusters (auto parts, electronic components, food-processing machinery, packaging machinery, wooden furniture, upholstered furniture, and educational services). The analysis details regional export trends in dollar volume, growth rates, import/domestic competition, and industry specialization, and examines the unique export issues of services exports with a detailed case study of educational services in the Appalachian Region. In addition, the study assesses export needs by transportation modes, and commodity flows by trade corridors (airport, seaport, highway, rail, and intermodal hubs) used by regional companies for current export and import activity. Finally, the report analyzes the impact of existing trade agreements and likely impacts of future trade liberalization agreements on the trade competitiveness and export potential of major industry groups.