Mo. exports on the rise

Missouri’s exports through October rose 4.7 percent compared to the same time last year.

As of Oct. 31, Missouri businesses exported $11.3 billion, up from $10.8 billion in the same period of 2013, according to a state Department of Economic Development news release. The state’s fiscal year begins July 1.

During that time, many of the state’s top export partners increased their purchases of Missouri goods. Germany led the way, boosting purchases by 35.9 percent, followed by Mexico at 19.1 percent and the United Kingdom at 11.4 percent.

Citing trade data by World Institute for Strategic Economic Research, the state also reported a month-to-month increase of 29.5 percent to $1.4 billion in October from $1.1 billion in September. Between the two months, Missouri’s two largest export partners, Canada and Mexico, increased their purchasing by 48.3 percent and 56.5 percent, respectively, according to the release.