PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • May 16, 2024
From imports to exports, the Maine economy is deeply connected to the rest of the world. Every year, Maine exporters send billions of dollars worth of “Made in the USA” products to the rest of the world, supporting about 18,000 jobs. Our state still imports about twice as much as we export, meaning that there is significant room for growth. Our state is a bottom-10 exporter in the country. Why can’t Maine rise up the ranks? Our state is gaining new innovators by the month. From industries like specimen collection to fishing and lumber, there are still domestic and foreign markets that have yet to benefit from Maine ingenuity. Let’s achieve new strength with trade partners. Our economy depends on it. ~ Virginia Templet, Puritan Medical Products in Guilford