Kansas business exports reach all time high

Kansas is getting the hang of this whole export thing.

Data from a recent Kansas Department of Commerce study shows that Kansas businesses totaled an all-time high of $8.63 billion in exports in 2006, marking the second straight year the state has achieved record-setting export totals, a KDOC statement said.

The 2006 figure shattered last year's record of $6.72 billion and marked the state's third straight year of export growth. Kansas exports have increased 127 percent since 1998, the statement said.

"These are impressive numbers," KDOC Secretary David Kerr said. "Our setting a new record for exports demonstrates that Kansas businesses are expanding and tapping new overseas markets. With more international consumers buying Kansas products, we're seeing new jobs created in Kansas and a state economy that's stronger than ever."

To view the full report, visit www. kansascommerce. com on the Internet.

The following are points of interest regarding key international products and industry sectors for Kansas in 2006: * Canada was the largest market for Kansas products, accounting for 26 percent of total exports. The top three markets (Canada, Mexico and the United Kingdom) comprised 43 percent of the total.

* Exports to Canada and Mexico increased by 22 percent to $3.22 billion, mainly due to a marked increase in shipments of Kansas vehicles to Canada.

* Shipments to Western Europe, led by the United Kingdom, Germany and France, continued a recent growth trend by increasing 46 percent from 2005. The U.K. showed strong growth as an export destination for Kansas goods, with an increase of $529 million, or 73 percent.

* The state's beef industry still suffered from the effects of the Asian ban on U.S. beef due to bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) concerns. Exports of beef to Japan and Korea have been almost non-existent from 2004 to 2006. In 2003, beef exports had been $390 million. Despite the beef ban, exports to this region grew 45 percent.

* In 2003, the aircraft industry experienced its lowest level of exports since 1998. By 2006, the state's leading industry rebounded to its highest level ever to export 168 percent more than aircraft than in 2003. The industry saw a large reduction in the aircraft industry workforce in both 2002 and 2003. The major aircraft companies began to rehire workers in 2004 as orders for aircraft began to pick up. In 2006, the industry grew rapidly to increase by 43 percent since 2005.

For more information, contact KDOC at (785) 296-3760.