Exporting from Kansas

Firms in Kansas are exporting their products all over the world, and this export activity means big numbers for the Kansas economy. We at the Department of Commerce are proud to provide assistance to help these firms explore new markets and sell more of their products worldwide.

Kansas Exports by the Numbers: Kansas exported $11.6 Billion total in 2018, which was an increase of 3.2% from the previous year.

Top 5 Commodities:

1. Aircraft and Parts ($2.4 billion)
2. Meat ($1.7 billion)
3. Industrial Machinery ($1.7 billion)
4. Cereals ($879 million)
5. Electric Machinery ($851 million)

Top Export Markets for Kansas Goods:

1. Mexico ($2.1 billion)
2. Canada ($1.9 billion)
3. Japan ($1.0 billion)
4. China ($657 million)
5. United Kingdom ($528 million)

Our International Team can help Kansans get their products and services into markets of all kinds through customized export assistance (including market research, consulting on local rules and regulations and itineraries for business executive visits) as well as marketing opportunities like trade shows and financial support for reaching international audiences.

And the list of available assistance has grown this year. One exciting announcement I’d like to make is the roll-out of the Kansas Marketing Assistance Program (K-MAP) program. Administered in partnership with Kansas Global Trade Services, the Kansas Marketing Assistance Program assists Kansas firms who are looking to market their products to overseas markets. It offers flexibility to fill in the gaps and cover a variety of international marketing activities depending on a company’s specific needs.

If you think K-MAP may be a good fit for your firm, I’d encourage you to reach out to April Chiang ([email protected]) on our International Trade team. She can provide more details and help get your application process started.

Below is a breakdown of each program with details on how we can help:

Kansas Export Assistance Programs

KITSAP – The Kansas International Trade Show Assistance Program helps introduce Kansas companies to foreign markets through participation in international trade shows. KITSAP funds can be used to assist with the cost of booth rental and related expenses for exhibiting at an international trade show.

STEP – The State Trade Expansion Program helps Kansas non-exporters to get started and existing exporters to export more. Funded in part through a grant with the U.S. Small Business Administration, this program focuses on three main areas: export training, select foreign trade missions and shows, and market entry support.

• Activities covered by the Kansas STEP grant:
• Export Training
  • Kansas Small Business Development Center Riddle of the Exporter Training
  • S. Commercial Service Trade Winds Series
  • Other export SBA or USCS sponsored or partnered export training event
• Select Trade Show/Mission participation costs
  • Kansas Commerce/Ag-led Trade Shows & Missions
  • Domestically Hosted International Trade Show
  • S. Commercial Service Trade Missions
• Market Entry Support:
  • S. Commercial Service Programs
    • Gold Key Matching
    • International Partner Search
    • Initial Market Check

K-MAP – Administered in partnership with Kansas Global Trade Services, the Kansas Marketing Assistance Program assists Kansas companies in accelerating exports through a variety of initiatives and is designed to provide funding for activities not covered by KITSAP or STEP. These include:

• Foreign Sales Trips
• Market Research & Consultation
• Foreign Product Certification
• Translation and Interpretation Services
• Compliance Management
• International Credit Reports
• Letter of Credit Processing Fees
• Database Subscription for Market Research (first year)
• Industry Association Membership (first year)
• New Foreign Language Company Brochures

If you or your firm have questions or think one of these programs may be the right fit, I encourage you to reach out to our International Trade team.

When it comes to International Trade, companies often don’t know where to turn. Kansas Commerce can connect them to appropriate federal partners or other service providers and help companies know where to turn for help. Our team can bring partners and resources to the table to get companies in touch with the right people and create specific plans for their needs.

This week, we announced new leadership for the International Trade and Investment team. Joining our team as Director the International Division is Jeff Willis. Jeff brings a wealth of experience in international trade and relations. He will lead our efforts into the future, with a focus on maintaining key strategic partnerships and rebuilding our “sales force” around the world in order to elevate our business recruitment efforts and attract more foreign direct investment in the state’s economy.

Another exciting part of our role at the Department of Commerce is the opportunity to recognize Kansas firms that are doing outstanding work here in our state. One of the top awards we give each year is the Governor’s Exporter of the Year award. Last year, we celebrated three great finalists, and Pinnacle Technology was selected as the 2019 Exporter of the Year.

Nominations are now open for the 2020 Exporter of the Year award! We hope you’ll help us highlight some of our state’s great companies who are exporting their products from Kansas to the world.

As we look ahead to next year, international trade will be an important aspect of our goals to boost GDP and promote more investment in the Kansas economy. Whether you’re a firm with export potential or a Kansan who wants to see our state grow, we’d love to have your input on the Framework for Growth.

Ad Astra Per Aspera,

-DT