Missouri sets export record during 2004

Missouri increased its export sales by a record 24 percent, or $1.76 billion, from 2003 to 2004. The $8.99 billion export total ranks the state seventh in the United States, according to a March 7 release from the Missouri Department of Economic Development.
The increase was fueled by high growth rates in minerals and ores, agricultural products, textiles and fabrics, transportation equipment and chemicals, the release said.
Twenty of the 32 largest industries that export goods from Missouri had better than 20 percent growth compared to 2003.
Missouri’s growth rate was surpassed by only six states: Montana, Nevada, Idaho, West Virginia, Tennessee and Vermont. And only Tennessee saw a larger dollar amount increase than Missouri’s $1.76 billion jump.
“The substantial growth of exports demonstrates that Missouri businesses understand what it takes to be competitive in the global economy,” said Gov. Matt Blunt in the release.
Canada continues to be the largest buyer of Missouri products, with nearly $4 billion in purchases in 2004, a 28.6 percent increase.
Also in 2004, Missouri registered first-time export business with Cambodia, Mauritania, Anguilla, Togo, Western Samoa, the Maldive Islands, Christmas Island, Turkmenistan and the Falkland Islands.