Trade and Export
As the top exporting state for 19 years with exports valued at $279.3 billion in 2020, 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, nearly 93% 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. You may contact an International Business & Trade Specialist for direct, technical assistance.
In 2021, 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.
- Texas Exports Assistance Programs Overview
(2020 Trade Events Postponed)
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.
Additional Exporting Resources
The U.S. Commercial Service has developed comprehensive video collections that will help your small business become better equipped to enter the exciting exporting world.
The How To Export series of videos introduces you to the key concepts to get started, when you are ready for more in-depth instruction, step up to the Export Mechanics Training Videos.
The U.S. Commercial Service offers free, on-line resources to make planning easier and help you become a more proactive and successful exporter. Whether you are creating your first export plan, or are fine-tuning an existing plan, use our planning resources to boost your international sales potential.
Understand the Export Process to start selling to global customers.
Are You Export Ready? Take an assessment.