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.
Economists are encouraged by Minnesota's strong showing in the export market during the final quarter of 2010. Manufacturing exports hit a record quarterly high of $4.6 billion in the final three months of the year.