Governor Doyle Reports Record Export Growth in Wisconsin for 2007

For Immediate Release: February 20, 2008
Contact: Tony Hozeny, Department of Commerce, 608-267-9661
Carla Vigue, Office of the Governor, 608-261-2162
Robin Engel, Department of Agriculture, Trade & Consumer Protection, 608-224-5002

State's 2007 Agricultural Exports Jump 45 percent

MADISON - Governor Jim Doyle announced today that Wisconsin's exports increased by 11.8 percent to a record $19.2 billion in 2007. Wisconsin now ranks as the 19th-largest exporting state, compared to its 21st largest rank in 2006. Since Governor Doyle took office, exports have increased by nearly 80 percent.

"I salute Wisconsin companies for aggressively seeking new markets around the globe," 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 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 with a 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 a18.4 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.

Governor's Export Awards application deadline April 11

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.

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