WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last week the U.S. Commerce Department reported that July exports of automobiles and other manufacturing goods and services has boosted American exports to an all-time high, pushing the nation’s trade deficit down to its lowest level in three months.
 
This was welcome news to Matt Blunt, president of the American Automotive Policy Council (AAPC).

“A vibrant and productive American automotive manufacturing sector is a crucial ingredient to the nation’s overall economic blueprint for growth,” said Blunt. “In order to remain competitive in today’s global economy, we have to have an industrial base focused on manufacturing and production. Chrysler, Ford and General Motors have research, engineering and production efforts focused on making the best and most innovative automobiles, and as a result our exports have become more competitive around the globe. With one in five, or more than half a million auto and auto-related jobs, tied to Chrysler, Ford and GM auto exports and that makes a big difference for American workers.”
 
Over the past six years, automakers and suppliers have exported nearly $600 billion worth of vehicles and parts, outperforming the next sector, the aerospace industry, by $20 billion last year alone, according to AAPC. In addition, from the research labs to the dealership lots, the auto sector supports nearly 8 million U.S. jobs, the council says.