Minnesota's exports of manufactured, agricultural and mining products rose 13 percent in the first quarter to a record $4.8 billion from a year ago, state officials announced Wednesday.

The report, from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, was a burst of good news after a series of halting and sometimes contradictory economic reports.

Manufactured goods accounted for the bulk of the export results as factories recorded $4.4 billion in total sales for the quarter. That was a 12 percent jump from the same period a year ago and compares with a 16 percent increase nationwide. "Minnesota exports continue to be strong, generating more business for companies and contributing to job growth statewide," Commissioner Mark Phillips said. "Exports to nine of the state's top 10 markets expanded from a year ago, and sales for most of our products and commodities grew as well."

"Our first-quarter results are encouraging," said Katie Clark, Minnesota Trade Office. But she added that many small and midsized companies that could export goods are not currently doing so. "With 95 percent of consumers living outside of the United States, Minnesota must focus on selling its products to the global marketplace," Clark said.

Canada remained Minnesota's largest customer, representing 27 percent of state exports. Canada bought $1.3 billion in Minnesota exports, up 16 percent from a year ago.

Other top markets were China ($558 million, up 35 percent); Japan ($332 million, up 20 percent), Mexico ($250 million, up 4 percent); Germany ($198 million, up 12 percent); South Korea ($163 million, up 5 percent); Belgium ($146 million, up 3 percent); Singapore ($140 million, up 17 percent); United Kingdom ($137 million, down 7 percent) and Taiwan ($135 million, up 14 percent).

The first-quarter numbers were mostly unaffected by the March 11 earthquake in Japan, which caused widespread global supply disruptions; the effects of the quake will likely be reflected in second-quarter figures. Asia continued to be Minnesota's strongest-performing partner. Nations there bought 35 percent of Minnesota's exports in the quarter. Japan was a major buyer of the state's agricultural exports, purchasing mostly grains.

To compare, North American partners accounted for 31 percent of the state's export total. Another 21 percent of the state's exports went to Europe.

Machinery led all export categories with $949 million in sales, up 8 percent from the same period a year ago. Machinery accounted for 20 percent of the state's exports as other nations clamored for Minnesota-made centrifuges and filters, pumps, self-propelled bulldozers and scrapers.

Optics and medical instruments fell 3 percent in the first quarter, with orthopedic and artificial body parts dropping 29 percent year-over-year to $161 million, the department said.

Dee DePass • 612-673-7725