In the past several months, both the International Trade Administration and the Brookings “Export Nation” project have released estimates of metro-area exports for 2012. They provide some interesting details about the export activity of Tennessee’s 10 metro areas.

Last year’s foreign investment was actually higher than for the years 2008, 2009, and 2010 combined.

The fit between Tennessee exports and the strength of the dollar is stronger than a decade ago.

Since the mid-1990s, the number of exporters in Tennessee has increased by 70 percent. Are there any patterns to their location?

Foreign investment has been a major factor in Tennessee's economic development. It's not too much to say that it has transformed this state's economy. This issue of Global Commerce presents a survey of county-level foreign direct investment in Tennessee.

While we have devoted great attention to the expanding flow of trade and investment into this state, perhaps it's time to take a look at the flow of people as well.

In Tennessee, the number of exporters has risen 10 percent since the recovery began in 2009.

How adaptable is Tennessee's economy to changing world markets?

Dr. Steven Livingston assesses the impact of the recent global financial crash across Tennessee counties and reviews third-quarter 2012 state export performance.