WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama says rising U.S. exports have been "one of the biggest bright spots" of the U.S. economy.

Obama in 2010 set a goal of doubling exports by 2015, but the country is not on track to meet that goal. However, Obama pointed out the United States now sells more goods overseas than ever before, and those sales have boosted the U.S. economy. Obama says "made in America" means something around the world.

Obama was addressing his export council, an advisory committee on trade with members from a variety of U.S. industries. Thursday's meeting at the White House included seven new members, among them the chief executives from IBM, Marriott, Lockheed Martin, Pfizer and Merck.