China is Minnesota's second-largest export partner. In the first half of 2012, it was also the fastest-growing, as exports rose 15.4 percent over last year.

Country1st half 2012 exportsPct. chg.

($ millions)YTD

Total$10,317 1.7%

Canada 2,905 2.1%

China 1,297 15.4%

Mexico 636 14.8%

Japan 634 -11.4%

Sources: Minnesota Trade Office, Department of Employment and Economic DevelopmentSome of the largest and fastest-growing Minnesota export categories to China during the past three years:

2011 3-yr. pct. chg.

($ in millions) YTD

All exports $1,929.7 88.8%

Machinery 475.2 74.5%

Optical and medical 320.6 66.7%

instruments

Electrical machinery 250.9 136.5%

Meat 67.6 195.1%

Hides and skins 54.3 52.2%

Aircraft, spacecraft 22.8 449.3%

Vehicles (not railway) 19.6 261.1%

Footwear 6.9 355.2%

Source: Global Trade Information Services