Wisconsin Records Strong Third Quarter Export Growth

Wisconsin exports for the first three quarters of 2008 increased by 13.1 percent over 2007-thrid quarter totals to a record $15.6 billion. For the first three quarters, Wisconsin ranks as the 18th-largest exporting state, compared to its 21st largest rank in 2006.

For the first three quarters, exports to Canada, Wisconsin's largest international market, grew by 16.4 percent to $5.1 billion. Mexico continued as Wisconsin's second-largest export market, as exports grew 15.1 percent to $1.3 billion. China continued in third place despite a 2.1-percent decrease to $890.5 million. Germany took fourth place with a 21.7-percent increase to $601.1 million. Japan ranked fifth with a 14.3-percent increase to $566.9 billion.

For the first three quarters, Industrial machinery, including computer equipment, continues to be Wisconsin's top manufacturing export commodity, growing by 14.7 percent to $5.3 billion. Electrical machinery ranked second with a 5.2-percent increase to $1.8 billion. Medical and scientific instruments ranked third with a 4.4-percent decrease to $1.5 billion. . Transportation equipment ranked fourth with a19.5-percent increase to $1.4 billion. Paper and Paperboard ranked fifth with a 0.7-percent decline to $611.6 million.

Companies interested in planning or implementing an export venture should contact Mary Regel, Department of Commerce, at 608/267-9661, mary.regel@wisconsin.gov.

-- Tony Hozeny