Manufactured Exports Rise 17 Percent In Minnesota

ST. PAUL  (AP) - Minnesota's factory exports rose more than 17 percent last year, fueled by strong sales to Asia and Canada.

State economic officials say Minnesota shipped $17 billion worth of manufactured goods, making 2010 the second-highest annual total on record. Exports of computers, machinery, transportation equipment, electronics and packaged food performed particularly well.

Department of Employment and Economic Development Commissioner Mark Phillips says all four quarters were strong in 2010. Still, the state lagged behind the nation as a whole, which saw exports rise nearly 20 percent.

Manufacturing exports represent more than half of Minnesota's $31 billion in
total exports last year, which also included agriculture, mining, services and other sectors.

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