Overview: As 2014 came to an end, it was clear that U.S. President Barack Obamas goal of doubling Americas exports by 2015 would not be realized. Weak global demand for manufactured goods and a strong U.S. dollar were holding back exports. Nearly 85 percent of the goods and services produced in the United States are consumed at home. In his 2010 State of the Union address, U.S. President Barack Obama vowed to double U.S. exports by 2015; doing so will require boosting exports 15 percent annually

8-7. To this end, President Obama created a National Export Initiative (NEI) and established the Presidents Export Council. Boeing CEO James McNerney currently heads the Council.

8-8. Why is it the case that many small business owners in the United States traditionally gave little thought to exporting?