Mississippi state government’s export development resources are very limited, leaving the vast majority of potential Mississippi exporters on their own. Three state government employees in two separate departments engage in export development on a full-time basis, with part-time assistance provided by other department personnel, but there is no base of knowledge about Mississippi exporters, shipment destinations, types, and volume of exports. Until policy makers have such information, it may be unwise to undertake in a piecemeal manner any new or expended efforts with public funds that have export enhancement as an expressed or implied goal.
A lack of awareness among Mississippi manufacturers of the value and mechanics of exporting and a lack of local sources of export financing are significant barriers.
PEER was requested to determine the potential of Mississippi export niches in Latin America and Canada. While there is demand for Mississippi products in Latin America, most Latin American countries do not have the U. S. dollars to pay for the exports. Other than the state’s general underdeveloped exporting strategy, there are no significant barriers to Mississippi’s trade with Canada.
For a paper copy of this report, contact PEER by telephone at 601-359-1226 or by e-mail at reports@peer.ms.gov.