Nevada ranks third among states for export growth in ’12

Nevada ranked third for the largest export growth of any state at 28 percent in 2012, the U.S. Department of Commerce said. New Mexico at 42 percent and Arkansas at 36 percent captured the top two spots.

During the year, Nevada companies exported $10.2 billion of goods and services, including $3.7 billion to Switzerland, which is the state’s largest export market.

India was the state’s second-largest export market at $1.8 billion, followed by Canada at $1.4 billion, China with $561 million and Mexico at $330 million.

“Switzerland is still number one because of our precious metals,” said Kris Sanchez, director of international trade for the Nevada Governor’s Office of Economic Development.

Sanchez said the state’s exports are not solely based on mining; however, the mining industry does still make up the majority of Nevada’s exports.

Overall, Chinese exports were up 32 percent last year, and although mining was a portion of it at 7 percent, Nevada posted a 262 percent increase in electrical components, a 250 percent increase in agriculture exports and a 6,900 percent increase in digital automatic data process.

Two countries not in the state’s top five were South Korea and Peru. Exports to South Korea were up 76 percent, while Peru had a 70 percent increase.

Primary metal manufacturers accounted for $5.4 billion; computer and electronics products, $1.4 billion; miscellaneous manufactured commodities, $995 million; minerals and ores, $959 million; and machinery, except electrical, $243 million.

“Nevada’s exports to countries all over the world are diverse and representative of various industries across our state and within our manufacturing sector,” Sanchez said, “For instance, self-propelled trucks and forklifts to Canada were at a 192 percent increase as were nonalcoholic beverage, speaker components and microphones to Canada, as well.”

The Reno-Sparks metropolitan area accounted for $1.7 billion in exports in 2012, Las Vegas-Paradise, $1.7 million; and Carson City, $152 million.

U.S. Deputy Commerce Secretary Rebecca Blank said 29 states set new records for export sales last year, and 35 states achieved export growth.

“The increase in state exports in 2012 demonstrates that U.S. businesses are carving out a new global market share for their innovative products and services, despite facing economic headwinds worldwide,” Blank said in a statement.

Nationally, exports of goods and services totaled $2.2 trillion in 2012. Jobs supported by exports grew to 9.8 million during the year, an increase of 1.3 million, the Commerce Department said.

Contact reporter Chris Sieroty at
csieroty@reviewjournal.com or 702-477-3893.
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