This research report provides a comprehensive assessment of industry clusters and international trade in Appalachia. This report is an update of the 2004 report, Analysis of Global Competitiveness of Selected Industries and Clusters in the Appalachian Region and provides a current analysis of key export-oriented industries and industry clusters and their economic characteristics, reflecting the evolving industrial landscape of Appalachia and the global economy these industries serve. This analysis identifies seven key export-oriented industry clusters in the Appalachian Region: (1) chemicals and plastics; (2) consumer products (including food and paper products); (3) electronics; (4) machinery; (5) metals and minerals; (6) mining; and (7) transportation equipment and vehicles.

Through analysis of these export-oriented industry clusters, this report provides insight into the ports that they use most frequently to ship exports, key trading partners, and updates on key freight trends such as the growth in warehousing and distribution, and the long-term decline of coal.  Increased understanding of these industry clusters – such as areas of specialization and multi-modal transportation infrastructure needs – can help policymakers develop effective strategic economic development plans for the region.