A new report finds Kansas could see about 7,000 new jobs if the U.S. and the European Union reach a free trade agreement.

The report estimates Kansas’ exports to the E.U. would increase by 23.4 percent if a comprehensive agreement is reached.

Kansas Department of Commerce spokesman Matt Keith says Kansas had $1.8 billion worth of exports to the European Union in 2012. That makes the E.U. countries Kansas’ second-largest export destination, behind Canada.

The report projected Kansas exports to the E.U. would increase most in the chemicals sector, with $351 million more in sales. Other areas predicted to see substantial increases are transportation equipment, $278 million; machinery, $97 million; and processed foods, $76 million.

Report sponsors include the British embassy in Washington.
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Associated Press Information from: The Topeka Capital-Journal