Wisconsin Records Strong Export Growth

For Immediate Release: February 22, 2011
Contact: Tony Hozeny, Department of Commerce, 608-267-9661, tony.hozeny@wisconsin.gov
Lora Klenke, Department of Agriculture, Trade & Consumer Protection, 608/224-5119

MADISON - Governor Scott Walker announced today that Wisconsin's exports increased 18.28% to $19.78 billion in 2010. Wisconsin now ranks as the 18th-largest exporting state, up from its 21st-largest rank in 2006.

"I salute Wisconsin companies for aggressively seeking new markets around the globe," Governor Walker said. "As Governor, I'm committed to doing all I can to support a climate that encourages success for our exporters."

Exports to Canada, Wisconsin's largest international market, grew by 24.87 percent to $6.04 billion. Mexico continued as Wisconsin's second-largest export market, as exports grew 26.76 percent to $2.00 billion. China took third place with a 21.45-percent increase to $1.33 billion. Germany took fourth place with a 16.28 percent increase to $745.3 million. Japan ranked fifth with a 6.73-percent increase to $731.4 million.

Industrial machinery, including computer equipment, continues to be Wisconsin's top manufacturing export commodity, growing by 13.34-percent to $6.3 billion. Electrical machinery ranked second with a 17-percent increase to $2.3 billion. Medical and scientific instruments ranked third with a 18.47-percent increase to $2.2 billion. Transportation equipment ranked fourth with a 1.33-percent increase to $1.1 billion. Paper and paperboard ranked fifth with an 32.8-percent increase to $833.8 million.

The state's agricultural exports increased by 36.39-percent to $2.41 billion in 2010, a record high. Cereal grains ranked first with a 111.74-percent increase to $515.91 million. Dairy Related Exports ranked second with a 27.95-percent increase to $213.36 million. Miscellaneous Food, including ingredients, sauces, yeasts, soups, and mustards, ranked third with a 16.28-percent increase to $200.47 million. Baking Related Exports ranked fourth with a 3.03-percent decrease to $178.67 million; and Miscellaneous Grain, Seeds, and Fruits ranked fifth with 62.77-percent increase to $157.97 million.

Wisconsin's export growth to the four countries where the state maintains trade offices exceeded its overall export growth---Canada, up 24.87 percent; Mexico, up 26.76 percent, China, up 21.45 percent; and Brazil, up 42.65 percent.

Annual Governor's Export Achievement Awards
Each year, the Governor of Wisconsin salutes state firms and organizations that have achieved extraordinary results in international markets or have contributed to Wisconsin's ability to compete globally. Nominations for the 2011 awards can be submitted between now and Friday, April 15. This year's awards will be presented on Tuesday, May 10, 2011 at the 47th annual Wisconsin International Trade Conference in Milwaukee.

Any agricultural, forestry, industrial, high technology or service enterprise successfully engaging in or assisting in the export of Wisconsin-origin products or services can be nominated. Nominations can be made by an employee of the firm or organization, or by an outside person familiar with the firm or organization. Self nominations are encouraged.

AWARDS CATEGORIES:

• Agricultural Exporter - food, farm, or forestry products
• Manufacturing Exporter - non-agricultural manufactured products
• Service Exporter - services provided to customers in other countries
• High Tech Exporter - scientific, medical, or other cutting edge products
• Export Assistance Provider - firms or organizations that do not have direct international sales, but provide assistance to Wisconsin exporters

CRITERIA:
Nominees must show innovation, effectiveness, and special effort in growing exports, enhancing employment, the economy, and Wisconsin's international prestige. Nominees will be evaluated against organizations or firms of similar size. Export Plus categories may be created for nominees which have won previously or have engaged in substantially superior efforts. Judges may present Special Awards for those whose efforts deserve additional recognition. The judges' decisions are final and they reserve the right to withhold the presentation of an award in a category if there is not a suitable entry.

Nominations/Applications must be received by 4:30 pm on Friday, April 15, 2011. Submissions can be sent by courier, mail, fax, or e-mail to:

Wisconsin Department of Commerce
Bureau of Export Development
201 West Washington Avenue
Madison, WI 53703
TEL: (608) 267-0639
FAX: (608) 266-5551
international@wisconsin.gov

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