Arizona merchandise exports increased 12 percent in 2011 compared to 2010, growing from $15.6 billion to $17.5 billion, according to new data from the International Trade Administration.
Arizona’s 2011 merchandise export sales increased to many top destinations, including Japan (up 34 percent), Malaysia (21 percent), the United Kingdom (20 percent), Germany (16 percent), and Mexico (14 percent).
Key merchandise export categories include computer and electronic products, transportation equipment, machinery manufactures, agricultural products, and minerals and ores, the ITA said.
Many Arizona companies have yet to tap their export potential, said Eric Nielsen, Director of the U.S. Commercial Service in Arizona.
Nielsen noted that only a small fraction of all U.S. companies export, and of those that do, 58 percent sell to only one foreign market.
People are also reading…