Dept. of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection: Wisconsin agricultural exports help boost state’s international trade efforts

Contact: Ashley Andre, 608-224-5002 ashley.andre@wisconsin.gov

Jim Dick, Communications Director, 608-224-5020 jim.dick@wi.gov

MADISON‐ Wisconsin’s exports are continuing to grow as seen in the numbers released for the first three quarters of 2012. In the report issued by the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) and the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), Wisconsin exports of all products totaled $17.4 billion from January to September 2012, which is an increase of 6.4% over the same period in 2011. Following industrial machinery, Wisconsin’s agricultural exports ranked second in the list of the Top Five Wisconsin Export Products showing a 4% increase over the same time last year.

“I am pleased with the work Wisconsin agricultural businesses are doing to increase their exports to customers around the world. Wisconsin continues to establish itself as a destination for quality products,” said DATCP Secretary Ben Brancel. “We will keep working to develop relationships and create an environment where the state’s ag-related companies can do business in the international marketplace to strengthen our economy.”

While the export of agricultural products nationwide was down 1%, Wisconsin exported over $2.2 billion of agricultural products during the first three quarters of 2012, accounting for that 4% increase. Wisconsin ranks 12th in the nation for the value of agricultural exports, up from 17th during the same period in 2011. The state exports agricultural products to over 145 countries.

The top three markets for Wisconsin agricultural exports from January to September 2012 were Canada, Mexico and China. Top agricultural export products continued to be beverages (primarily ethanol), miscellaneous food and dairy-related goods. Dairy product exports alone were up 9% compared to the same period last year.

The Wisconsin International Trade Team provides a broad array of services to help Wisconsin companies succeed in their exporting efforts. Contact the Trade Team at 1-800-462-5237 or international@wisconsin.gov. Connect with DATCP on Twitter at twitter.com/widatcp or Facebook at facebook.com/widatcp.