Exports of Wisconsin merchandise increased 11%, from $20 billion to just over $22 billion in 2011, according to the International Trade Administration.
Nationally, exports remain a bright spot in the U.S. economy, as Wisconsin’s export activity is is part of an annual record in national exports, the ITA said. American merchandise exports increased $202 billion, to $1.48 trillion, from 2010 to 2011.
The ITA reports that Wisconsin’s top trading partners remain Canada, $7.11 billion; Mexico, $1.99 billion, and China, $1.4 billion. In terms of percentage increases, the trade administration reports that Wisconsin exporting to Chile grew 45%, followed by Australia, up 31%; Canada and Germany, up 18% each; and China, up 4%.
Key Wisconsin exports continue to be transportation equipment, chemicals, machinery, and electronic equipment.
The merchandise report follows news that Wisconsin’s agricultural exports grew by 18% last year.
In terms of merchandise, Texas topped all states with a $43 billion increase in exports in 2011. In all, 36 states experienced double-digit merchandise export growth in 2011, and 23 states exceeded the national average of 16% growth.
