Missouri exports on track to set record

Exports totaled $5.1 billion through the end of June, an 11 percent increase over the $4.6 billion exported as of June 2004. Last year’s record pace brought $9 billion in sales.

Eight of Missouri’s top 10 export categories increased global sales, with agricultural products topping the list with a jump of 70.1 percent.

Other increased categories were: electrical equipment, 26.3 percent; primary metal manufacturing, 24.8 percent; machinery, 18.4 percent; plastics and rubber products, 14.5 percent; transportation equipment, 13.8 percent; and fabricated metal products, 8.4 percent.

“More exports means more businesses are busy filling orders and Missourians are working,” DED Director Greg Steinhoff said in a news release. “It also shows that Missouri is not merely competing in the global economy but is succeeding, and at record levels.”