State exports top $10 billion

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Missouri shipped more goods overseas in 2005 than in any other year.

The state exported $10.5 billion worth of goods, up 16 percent from 2004, the Department of Economic Development said Thursday.

Nine of the top 10 export products increased from 2004 to 2005 -- the sales of computers and electronics dropped 4.4 percent. The leading gainers were agricultural products with a 48.8 percent increase, food products at 37.2 percent and fabricated metal products at 28.8 percent.

In a written statement, Gov. Matt Blunt attributed the increases to an improved business climate brought on by his administration.

"This phenomenal growth in exports means that our citizens have access to more high quality, family supporting jobs, and that is good news for Missouri's economy," Blunt said.

Missouri's foreign trade partners include Australia, Belgium, Canada, China, Germany, Italy, Japan, Korea, Mexico, and the United Kingdom.

The data were compiled by the World Institute for Strategic Economic Research.