Missouri's 2005 export activity sets record pace

Through the end of March, exports by Missouri companies exceeded $2.36 billion, a nearly 8 percent increase from the $2.19 billion in export sales recorded in first-quarter 2004. Last year, Missouri set an annual record with almost $9 billion in global sales.

“Missouri is competing and succeeding like never before in our global economy, and that is good news for our workers and businesses,” said Greg Steinhoff, director of the Missouri Department of Economic Devlopment, in a news release. “By more aggressively working with our businesses and communities to expand the state’s global market share, Missouri is becoming a national leader.”

The increase in exports this year is fueled by particularly high growth rates in electrical equipment, agricultural products, plastic and rubber products, primary metal manufacturing, machinery and transportation equipment.