![Minnesota Exports Reach 1st Quarter Record](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2012/06/minnesota_policies_300x200.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Minnesota Exports Reach 1st Quarter Record
ST. PAUL (AP) - Minnesota's exports reached a first-quarter record of $4.9 billion, but growth has been slowed by economies in Asia and a European debt crisis.
The Department of Employment and Economic Development says growth in the quarter is just 2 percent compared to the same period a year ago. It compares with a U.S. growth rate of 9 percent.
Manufacturing accounts for the biggest chunk of exports during the quarter, with $4.5 billion in sales. Asia is Minnesota's biggest customer, accounting for 35 percent of all sales, followed by North America and the European Union.
The St. Paul Pioneer Press says state exports to Asia were flat at $1.7 billion.
(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved)
More From AM 1240 WJON
![Manufactured Exports Rise 17 Percent In Minnesota](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2010/12/minnesota_news_blue.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Minnesota Exports Record Amount Of Goods](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2010/12/minnesota_news_green.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![St. Ben’s, St. John’s Official Higher Ed Partners with MN United](http://townsquare.media/site/70/files/2019/11/soccer_ball_getty_Michael-Regan_Getty24.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Gas Prices Fall in Minnesota, Rise Nationally](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2023/04/attachment-GettyImages-97962772.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![St. Cloud’s Coborn’s, CentraCare Make List of Biggest Minnesota Employers](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2024/07/attachment-Jobs3-Thinkstock-GettyImages.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Central MN Meat Market Introduces 24/7 Meat Vending Machine](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2024/07/attachment-Jen-and-Travis.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Becker Woman Hurt in Crash Near Spicer](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2023/06/State-Patrol-Stock-2.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Get Ready For Change: Minnesota Introduces Area Code 924 Overlay](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2024/07/attachment-NewAreaCode.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![MSP Ranked Top U.S. Airport in 2024](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2024/07/attachment-MAC_MSP-Airport_Terminal-1_Delta_6x4_200.jpg?w=980&q=75)