Energy and Employment Implications of Foreign Trade Opportunities in the Northeast

Abstract

In the Northeast, the principal market expansion for its manufactured products is likely to come from outside. Sales to export markets can create jobs and could potentially exacerbate the region's dependence on imported energy. 'Ibis analysis demonstrates that 26% of the Northeast's manufacturing employment is in sectors which have experienced significant expansion in exports in recent years. For most of the export sectors, the employment contribution is above the average for domestically-oriented industries, and the energy requirement is below the average. By focusing export promotion policies on these sectors, employment objectives need not conflict with energy conservation objectives.