Missouri's 2001 exports decline 13.2 percent

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In the wake of national and global recessions, the continued strength of the U.S. dollar and homeland terrorist at-tacks, Missouri exports for 2001 de-clined 13.2 percent from the previous year, according to a report issued by the Missouri Department of Economic Development.|ret||ret||tab|

The 13.2 percent decrease represents $1.05 billion, with 2001 business sales exports totaling $6.88 billion compared to $7.93 billion in 2000. The 2001 export figures reflect the slowest year for Missouri's exports since the Asian economic crisis in 1998, when sales totaled $6.83 billion. |ret||ret||tab|

"Missouri faced many economic challenges in 2001," said DED Director Joseph L. Driskill, pointing to manufacturing declines, dot-com collapses, a global economic downturn and a strong U.S. dollar. |ret||ret||tab|

"In response, the state will continue to work hard to expand international business opportunities for Missouri companies to help them build a greater competitive edge in the global economy," he added.|ret||ret||tab|

The electronics industry might need the most help, because international sales of computer and electronic products dropped by nearly 52 percent, and electrical equipment, appliances and components fell by nearly 31 percent. Other industries experiencing significant losses included food and kindred products, down 20 percent, and agricultural products, down 18 percent.|ret||ret||tab|

The report stated that Missouri is not alone, however, and most states in the nation experienced decreases in exports. |ret||ret||tab|

According to the DED office, total U.S. export sales were trimmed by 6.3 percent over the same period. |ret||ret||tab|

National exports posted $731 billion in 2001, while exports generated $780 billion in 2000.|ret||ret||tab|

On the bright side, Missouri's international sales in transportation equipment rose 16 percent, and fabricated metal products, and plastics and rubber products increased slightly. |ret||ret||tab|

And according to Creighton Univer-sity's Heartland International Business Index, first quarter export sales are increasing. |ret||ret||tab|

Jim Grebing, public information officer for DED, said the first quarter figures will be posted at the end of April.|ret||ret||tab|

The majority of Missouri's exports go to Canada and Mexico, with export values of $1.6 billion and $1.1 billion, respectively. Both countries experienced decreases last year, but exports to Japan, Argentina and Germany saw increased values. [[In-content Ad]]