Minnesota manufacturers increased their exports by 11.7 percent in the third quarter to $4.1 billion. Overseas sales of ATVs, snowmobiles, truck and airline parts made in the state were all stronger than expected.
The news represents "a welcome rebound for our exporters after a disappointing second quarter," said Dan McElroy, commissioner of the Department of Employment and Economic Development.
Computer and electronics makers were the largest exporters at $972 million, up 3.5 percent. Transportation equipment makers were second at $704 million, up 47 percent. Food exports rose 33 percent to $313 million.
Sales dropped slightly for machinery, medical and miscellaneous products.
Exports to China grew 3.3 percent to $297 million during the quarter, but they are down 11 percent so far this year because of a drop in computer and electronics orders.
In comparison, Canada is up 17 percent this year and remained the state's largest trading partner in the third quarter. Exports to Canada for the quarter jumped 20.5 percent to $1.1 billion.
Other countries showing strong growth in demand for Minnesota products included Germany, up 35.5 percent to $213 million; Mexico, which increased food purchases, and Russia, which increased ATV, snowmobile and other transportation sales.
At $153 million, Russia ranked as Minnesota's eighth-largest trading partner in the quarter, up from 38th place in the third quarter of 2006.
India increased its Minnesota imports 27 percent to $34 million, moving that country from 22nd to 21st. Computers, electrical components and medical devices accounted for much of the increase. India bought $129 million in Minnesota exports in all of 2006. India has "strong growth potential for Minnesota companies," said Tony Lorusso, director of the Minnesota Trade Office.
Lorusso's office announced this week that it will conduct a trade mission to South Africa in 2008.
Dee DePass • 612-673-7725
