Minnesota's product exports rose 5.8 percent to a record $5.5 billion in the third quarter, state officials said Wednesday.
The state's performance trumped national results as U.S. exports rose 4.2 percent during the quarter.
Canada remained Minnesota's strongest export market, with sales rising 5 percent to $1.55 billion during the quarter.
For all of North America, Minnesota sales climbed 16 percent from a year ago to $2.2 billion, thanks in part to Mexico, which had the largest gain among all countries. Minnesota's exports to Mexico climbed 57 percent to $640 million thanks to strong sales of agricultural and electrical machinery and vehicles.
Exports to Asia rose 4 percent to $1.7 billion and, to members of the European Union, they fell 5 percent to $965 million.
Among smaller markets, Minnesota's exports to the Australia-Pacific region jumped 19 percent to $145 million, mostly amid strong orders from New Zealand, where exports catapulted 172 percent to $36 million.
"Minnesota exports had their strongest quarter ever in the third quarter, a sign that companies are making key connections in the global marketplace," said Katie Clark Sieben, commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development.
Top exports included optical, surgical and medical supplies, ($938 million, up 16 percent); machinery ($860 million down 11 percent); electrical products ($713 million, up 11 percent); vehicles ($540 million, down 8 percent); plastic ($314 million, up 25 percent); and food byproducts ($162 million, up 1 percent).
Other top sellers with smaller revenue but big gains included air and spacecraft ($135 million, up 19 percent); ores, slag, ash ($135 million, up 152 percent); and cereals ($118 million, up 63 percent).
Dee DePass • 612-673-7725
