Trade and Export
As the top exporting state for 17 years with exports valued at $315 billion in 2018, Texas continues to be a leader in international trade. With its unique combination of strategic location, the largest U.S. rail and road infrastructure, the most U.S. ports of entry, a multilingual workforce twice the national average, a vibrant international banking center, a diplomatic hub with Consular Corps representing about 90 nations, as well as a concentration of corporate and financial resources, Texas is a global trade powerhouse.
From Texas, small, medium and large businesses alike have found great success in doing business globally. Far from being the exclusive domain of large corporations, export trade in Texas is driven by its innovative, nimble and oftentimes small firms. In fact, more than 90 percent of all Texas exporters are small businesses.
Texas Exports Assistance Program
The Office of the Governor's Texas Exports Assistance Program assists Texas small- and medium-sized businesses with developing new international markets and exporting their products and services around the globe.
The Office will coordinate a delegation of Texas small businesses in several export-oriented trade shows and missions throughout the year. Eligible small businesses will receive free, turnkey, shared booth space, pre-event and on-site assistance from experienced staff.
State Trade Expansion Program (STEP)
The Governor's Office partnered with the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA), and the U.S. Department of Commerce to administer the State Trade Expansion Program (STEP), a matching grant program geared towards assisting small businesses in exporting, funded by the U.S. Small Business Administration. For more information about eligibility, and to apply, visit the TDA website.
For more information on taking advantage of Texas’ export-ready business climate and opportunities download the Office of the Governor's Small Business Handbook. Small businesses can find information including trade counseling, training, legal assistance, and publications to help them get to the next level of global competition.