Minnesota manufactured exports down 19%

Minnesota's manufactured exports dropped by 19.4 percent from the same quarter last year, according to a government report released today.

State manufactured exports declined to $3.4 billion this quarter, according to the report by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development. The figures are in stark contrast to 2008's record $17.8 billion.

"The overall decline was not unexpected, given the global recession," said DEED Commissioner Dan McElroy in a statement. "The numbers reflect current economic conditions worldwide. We expect Minnesota manufactured exports to rebound once the economy turns around."

Manufactured exports nationwide fell 22 percent during the same period.

Exports to Canada, Minnesota's largest market, were down 30 percent from last year. In contrast, exports to Ireland, the state's second-largest trading partner, increased by 80 percent.

Exports were down 23 percent in the computer and electronics industries, the state's largest export market. Other significant drops include a 14 percent decline in machinery, a 35 percent decrease in transportation equipment, and a 24 percent drop in food exports.

A few sectors experienced growth. The export of petroleum-based products grew 65 percent, but accounted for only $25 million, a small portion of overall market.