They have in Wisconsin.
Published Wednesday, February 16, 2005 09:27:37 AM CST)
A d v e r t i s e m e n t
Associated Press
MADISON, Wis. - Wisconsin's exports grew 10.4 percent to a record $12.7 billion in 2004 as Mexico overtook Japan as the state's second-most important export destination, Gov. Jim Doyle said Tuesday.
Trade to Mexico surged 35 percent to $1.06 billion, while exports to Japan fell nearly 24 percent to $657 million, dropping it to third place.
Shipments to Canada, the state's top trading partner, grew nearly 12 percent to $4.86 billion, while those to China rose 6 percent to $583 million. Shipments to the United Kingdom grew nearly 5 percent to $517 million.
"For the third straight year, Wisconsin companies have helped our state post record export growth," Doyle said in a written statement. "It is another sign that our economy is on the move, and that our workers can compete with anyone in the world."
Doyle plans to lead a delegation of Wisconsin business and government officials to Mexico next month.
The mission is Doyle's third foreign trade mission since taking office in January 2003. Last year, he led delegations to China and Japan.
Industrial machinery, including computer equipment, continued as Wisconsin's top export commodity, growing nearly 15 percent to $4.46 billion.
Medical instruments grew nearly 2 percent to $1.63 billion, while electrical machinery shipments surged 43 percent to $1.28 billion.
Transportation equipment edged marginally higher to $968 million, while paper and paperboard exports grew 17 percent to $687 million. |
