This article estimates the extent to which the manufacturing sectors of U.S. metropolitan economies face competition from abroad and, in turn, how much they export overseas.

International markets are an important contributor to U.S. economic activity. U.S. regions have varying exposure to the influences of international markets--foreign demand or exchange rate movements. Still, the overriding determinants of regional economic growth is the state of the domestic economy.

The number of subcenters in the Chicago metropolitan area rose from 13 in 1980 to 32 in 2000. Whereas manufacturing jobs dominated subcenters in the past, the industry mix now closely resembles that of the overall metropolitan area.