Exports drive Kansas City area's economic recovery

The Kansas City area’s economic recovery kept pace with the national rebound thanks to a boost from exports last year.

The KC-area economy grew 2.5 percent in 2012, the same as the nation, according to a Bureau of Economic Analysis estimate of growth for 381 metropolitan areas, the Kansas City Star reports.

KC was one of 11 cities where recovery depended entirely on trade, particularly of motor vehicles, aircraft products and parts, communications equipment, freight and port services, information technology and financial services. The Star reports exports totaled $11.5 billion last year, ranking the Kansas City area 33rd among 100 metropolitan markets compared.

Read the more at the Kansas City Star.