Contacts:
Tony Hozeny, Department of Commerce, 608-267-9661
Jessica Erickson, Governor’s Office,
608-261-2156
Wisconsin Exports Nearly Double Exports of the United States
WAUKESHA – At a meeting of his Economic Growth Council in
Waukesha, Governor Jim Doyle announced today that Wisconsin exports surged
by 7.7 percent to a record $11.5 billion in 2003, as compared to a 4.4
percent export increase for the United States as a whole.
“For the second straight year, Wisconsin’s export growth has
outpaced that of the nation, indicating tremendous opportunities for our
state’s companies in world markets,” Governor Doyle said.
China is now Wisconsin’s fourth largest export market, up
from sixth in 2002, as exports grew 52.7 percent to $548.2 million.
Nationally, Wisconsin ranks 16th in exports to China, up from 17th in 2002.
Exports to Canada, Wisconsin’s largest international market,
grew by 10.8 percent to $4.3 billion. Japan continued in second place
despite a 14.7 percent decline to $816.7 million, and Mexico again ranked
third with a 7.8 percent increase to $788.0 million. The United Kingdom
took fifth place with an 18.4 percent increase to $493.9 million.
Industrial machinery, including computer equipment,
continues to be Wisconsin’s top export commodity, growing by 7.8 percent to
$3.9 billion. Medical instruments ranked second with an increase of 1
percent to $1.6 billion. Transportation equipment held third with a 16.3
percent increase to $964.5 million. Electrical machinery took fourth place
with a 15 percent increase to $900.4 million. Rounding out the top five was
paper and paperboard, with a 5.1 percent increase to $584.6 million.
For more details on Wisconsin exports, visit the Department
of Commerce Web site at www.commerce.state.wi.us.
