Costex Tractor Parts of Miami, Fla., has been awarded a 2008 ThinkGlobal/Commercial News USA Exporter of the Year award from ThinkGlobal Inc., publisher of Commercial News USA, the official export promotion magazine of the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Commercial News USA is a catalog-style magazine distributed to an estimated 400,000 readers in 176 countries worldwide.  Awards are given to one U.S. company in each of 15 industry categories.  Privately-held Costex Tractor Parts was named Exporter of the Year in the Industrial Equipment, Services, & Supplies category.

Winners were chosen based on the total number of documented export deals completed in 2006, total percentage increase in sales in 2006 compared to 2005, exports as percentage of total sales, the company’s commitment to exporting, the company’s commitment to customer service, and the company’s innovation and originality in marketing products or services.

To be eligible for the award, the company must currently be exporting from the United States.

Costex Tractor Parts manufactures and distributes replacement parts for heavy industrial equipment.  The company reported a 25% increase of exports over 2005.  Exports now represent 75% of the company’s total sales.

Founded in 1980, Costex Tractor Parts began as an export company and has gradually developed its domestic business.  “We are honored to accept this award in recognition of our international growth achievements.  It is the result of a synchronized effort from all our departments, from R&D to Customer Support, of analyzing, understanding and ultimately meeting the needs of our overseas customers and distributors. To satisfy and exceed our customers’ expectations has always been our goal at Costex and we expect to continue doing so in the future,” said Costex CEO and President Gilberto Uribe.

Gregory Sandler, publisher of Commercial News USA, said that Costex Tractor Parts’ success is indicative of how American companies can benefit from exporting.  “With 95% of the world’s market outside the U.S., there is significant growth opportunity for American manufactures and service providers.  Current economic conditions—particularly the low value of the dollar—have made American products very appealing to foreign buyers.  There is no better time than now for U.S. companies to export their goods and services.”