Record-Breaking Year for Louisiana Exports

According to the World Trade Club of New Orleans, Louisiana realized more than $13.4 billion in exports during the first six months of 2007, a 20.7 percent increase compared to the same period one year ago - and 2006 set records with exports valued at $23.5 billion for the entire year.

Louisiana’s exports rank 11th among all 50 states, but the state’s export growth registered nearly double the U.S. rate at 10.6 percent. The World Trade Center’s report, using data compiled by the World Institute of Strategic Economic Research, found agriculture products, chemicals, petroleum and coal, processed foods and machinery rank among the state’s top exports. Products were principally shipped to Japan, Mexico, Chine, Canada and the Netherlands. Officials contend the declining value of the U.S. dollar has made domestic goods more attractive overseas.