May 12 - State Exports at 14.6 Billion in 2009

ST. PAUL – Minnesota manufactured exports declined 15.5 percent to $14.6 billion in 2009, according to annual export numbers released by the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). U.S. exports fell 18.3 percent for the same period.

Minnesota ranked 20^th largest in the value of manufactured exports among all states, unchanged from 2008.

“Minnesota exports fared better than the national average during the economic downturn and they are showing signs of recovery,” said DEED Commissioner Dan McElroy. “The decline in exports in the fourth quarter of 2009 was less in than in previous quarters, indicating a brighter outlook for 2010.”

In 2009 Minnesota exports increased to the following seven top 20 trading markets: China ($1.3 billion, up 1 percent), Ireland ($897 million, up 1 percent), Australia ($423 million, up 5 percent), Singapore ($386 million, up 1 percent), Malaysia ($285 million, up 72 percent), Taiwan ($279 million, up 1 percent) and Thailand ($182 million, up 5 percent). Korea was flat at $506 million.

Five of the countries with increased exports in 2009 were in Asia, pointing to encouraging business prospects in 2010. Asia was the state’s second-largest source of exports by region, after North America.

Last year, state exports to Canada dropped 21 percent to $3.8 billion, due largely to a drop in demand for transportation equipment (down 24 percent). Other declines among the top 10 markets were to Japan ($738 million, down 8 percent), Mexico ($663 million, down 16 percent), Germany ($652 million, down 11 percent), United Kingdom ($585 million, down 21 percent) and Belgium ($537 million, down 14 percent).

The state’s five largest export industries posted declines in 2009. Exports of computers and electronics were down 19 percent to $3.4 billion. Also down were exports of machinery ($2.4 billion, down 16 percent), miscellaneous including medical ($1.9 billion, down 1 percent), transportation equipment ($1.7 billion, down 19 percent) and food products ($1.2 billion, down 13 percent). Minnesota was among the top 15 states in all of its five major exporting manufacturing industries except transportation equipment.

“Minnesota is a strong contributor to global markets and that role will persist as the global economy recovers,” said Ed Dieter, acting director of the Minnesota Trade Office. “Our industry mix is diverse and we are constantly seeking to expand our solid relationships with our trading partners.”

Governor Pawlenty is set to lead a delegation of business leaders on a trade mission to China and Japan September 9-18.

Combining total manufactured exports with preliminary estimates of Minnesota’s exports from agricultural commodities (about $3.5 billion) and services (about $9.1 billion), the state’s total exports for 2009 are estimated at $27 billion.

Download the full report.

The MTO, an office of DEED, is focused on increasing state export sales in foreign markets. The MTO promotes international trade by providing export information, export education and training, and one-on-one counseling to Minnesota companies that wish to sell manufactured goods and services in the international marketplace.

DEED is the state’s principal economic development agency, promoting business recruitment, expansion and retention, workforce development, international trade and community development. For more details about the agency and our services, visit us at www.PositivelyMinnesota.com. Follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/PositivelyMN.

Upon request, the information in this news release is available in an alternative format such as Braille, large print, audiotape or computer disk.

Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development
Communications Office
Phone 651/259-7161 or 1-800-657-3858 ∙ TTY 1-800-657-3973
www.PositivelyMinnesota.com