Governor Doyle Reports Record Export Growth

For Immediate Release: March 9, 2009
Contact: Tony Hozeny, Department of Commerce, 608-267-9661
Carla Vigue, Office of the Governor, 608-261-2162

MADISON - Governor Jim Doyle announced today that Wisconsin's exports increased by 9.2 percent to a $20.6 billion in 2008. Wisconsin now ranks as the 18th-largest exporting state, compared to its 21st largest rank in 2006. Since Governor Doyle took office, exports have increased by 92 percent.

"Wisconsin companies aggressively pursued overseas markets and drove our exports to record levels despite a global economic slowdown," Governor Doyle said. "As Governor, I'm committed to doing all I can to support a climate that encourages success for our exporters."

Exports to Canada, Wisconsin's largest international market, grew by 10.2 percent to $6.5 billion. Mexico continued as Wisconsin's second-largest export market, as exports grew 18.9 percent to $1.8 billion. China took third place with a 4.4 percent increase to $1.2 billion. Germany ranked fourth with a 19.8-percent increase to $790.4 million. Japan took fifth place with a 10.6-percent increase to $724.4 million.

Industrial machinery, including computer equipment, continues to be Wisconsin's top manufacturing export commodity, growing by 11.1 percent to $6.9 billion. Electrical machinery ranked second with a 3.8-percent increase to $2.4 billion. Medical and scientific instruments ranked third with a 1.7-percent increase to $2.1 billion. Transportation equipment ranked fourth with 14.3 percent increase to $2.0 billion. Paper and paperboard took fifth place with a 5-percent decrease to $793.5 million.

From 2007-08, Wisconsin's exports to Spain rose by 11.6 percent to $239.0 million. During Governor Doyle's tenure, exports to Spain have risen nearly threefold, from $80.3 million in 2002.

Companies interested in planning or implementing an export venture should contact Mary Regel, Department of Commerce, at 608/267-9661, mary.regel@wisconsin.gov.

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