Topics Related to Global

As the situation in the Middle East continues to evolve, concerns are growing over its potential impact on the global economy. To better understand what these disruptions could mean for North Carolina, this article examines the state’s trade relationships with several countries in the region and the key commodities involved.

As the 15th largest export state in the U.S., North Carolina plays a significant role in international trade. From 2019 to 2024, the state’s trade activity gradually recovered from pandemic disruptions and experienced solid overall growth. Unsurprisingly, exports declined sharply in 2020, falling 14%. However, levels steadily rebounded, with exports exceeding pre-pandemic levels by 7% by 2024.