Wednesday, March 8, 2006
Contact: Spence Jackson, 573-751-0290
Blunt Announces Plans to Build on Record Breaking Export Numbers
JEFFERSON CITY–Gov. Matt Blunt today announced plans to visit with European community and business leaders to promote business and trade and to build on record breaking export numbers reported last month. Blunt will visit Czech Republic, Hungary, Italy, United Kingdom and Belgium.
The Missouri Department of Economic Development (DED) reported that in 2005 Missouri set a new export record of $10.5 billion in sales abroad. They called the news a strong indication that the Show Me State is becoming more competitive in the global marketplace. The department also identified United Kingdom, Italy and Belgium as three of Missouri’s top export recipients.
“If our state is to continue to compete for high quality, high paying, family supporting jobs we must be engaged in the global economy,” Blunt said. “Diversifying our customers, expanding trade opportunities and identifying new markets for Missouri products benefits our home town entrepreneurs, local business, and most importantly the people of our state. I will continue to work with international leaders to ensure that more and more Missouri products can become available around the world.”
As reported by DED, exports by Missouri companies increased by $1.5 billion, or 16 percent, in 2005 compared to $9 billion in international sales in 2004. Nine of Missouri’s top ten export product categories increased global sales in 2005, including agricultural products (up 48.8 percent), food products (up 37.2 percent), fabricated metal products (up 28.2 percent), transportation equipment (up 20.6 percent), machinery (up 20.6 percent), electrical equipment (up 20.5 percent), primary metal manufacturing (up 20.4 percent), and chemicals (up 0.8 percent). The minerals and ores product category was the states fastest growing export, with sales increasing over 309 percent.
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