By Brian E. Clark
WisBusiness.com
Led by surging agricultural exports that increased 45 percent last year, total state sales abroad rose nearly 12 percent in 2007 to a record $19.2 billion.
Gov. Jim Doyle lauded the news and said Wisconsin is now the 19th-largest exporting state, up two places from 2006. Since Doyle took office in 2003, he said exports have increased by nearly 80 percent.
“I salute Wisconsin companies for aggressively seeking new markets around the globe,” said Doyle, who has been on numerous trade missions abroad. “As Governor, I’m committed to doing all I can to support a climate that encourages success for our exporters.”
Rod Nilsestuen, secretary of the state Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, said the record agricultural exports “are a bright spot in the economy and show how important it is to continue our focus on growing Wisconsin agriculture.
“International markets are looking for quality food and outstanding livestock genetics and Wisconsin is able to supply them,” he added. “I commend our farmers and food processors for their quality products and I commend our international trade team for helping Wisconsin agricultural businsses expand their markets abroad.”
State officials said exports to Canada, Wisconsin’s largest international market, grew by 7.3 percent to $5.8 billion. Mexico continued as Wisconsin’s second-largest export market, as exports grew 2 percent to $1.9 billion. China took third place with a 35.4 percent increase to $1.2 billion, topping $1 billion for the first time ever.
The United Kingdom took fourth place with a 6 percent increase to $722.8 million. Germany ranked fifth with a 13.4 percent increase to $660.8 billion.
Industrial machinery, including computer equipment, continues to be Wisconsin’s top manufacturing export commodity, growing by 11.8 percent to $6.2 billion. Electrical machinery ranked second with a 5.7 percent increase to $2.7 billion.
Medical and scientific instruments ranked third, but showed 0.1 percent decrease to $2.1 billion.
Agricultural exports ranked fourth with a 45.1 percent increase to just under $2.1 billion. Transportation equipment ranked fifth with an 18.4 percent increase to $1.7 billion.
The state’s agricultural exports have nearly doubled in the past three years, up from $1.1 billion in 2004 – nearly a 100 percent increase.
Dairy exports skyrocketed 131 percent, up from $84.7 million in 2006 to $195.8 million in 2007, driven by demand for cheese, whey, and butter.
A relatively new export, dried distillers grains, jumped 245 percent, up from $6 million in 2006 to $19.2 million in 2007, driven by strong demand in Asia. A by-product of the state’s burgeoning ethanol industry, distillers grains are sought as a high-protein livestock feed.
Each year, the Governor recognizes Wisconsin firms and organizations that have achieved extraordinary results in international markets or have contributed to Wisconsin’s ability to compete globally.
This year’s nomination deadline is April 11, 2008. The 2008 awards will be presented on May 13, 2008 at the 44th Annual Wisconsin International Trade Conference in Milwaukee. For more information, please visit http://commerce.wi.gov/IE/IE-ExportAwards.html
