ARIZONA EXPORTS UP SHARPLY IN 1st QUARTER OF 2006

Arizona’s exports rose sharply in the 1st quarter of 2006, increasing nearly 27%, according to statistics jointly released by the Az. Dept. of Commerce & the U.S. Commercial Service offices in Phoenix & Tucson. In the same period in '05, Arizona exported $3.39 billion worth of goods; this year, the figure is $4.31 billion.

“Sales to our NAFTA partners continue to be bright spots in Az.’s overall trade picture. Exports to Mexico are up a healthy 16%, on pace to top $5 billion for the 1st time. Likewise, exports to Canada could reach the $2 billion mark at the current 26% growth rate” says Armando Bras of the Arizona Department of Commerce.

Adds Eric Nielsen of Az.’s US Export Assistance Center, “local exporters are also finding outstanding sales opportunities in Asia & the EU. Exports to Singapore have increased nearly 60% this quarter, for example. The same can be said for electronics exports to Malaysia – up 165%. And, we're seeing an encouraging 44% export growth rate with China. Across the Atlantic, the picture is much the same – sales to the UK (+72%), the Netherlands (+341%) & Ireland (+290%).”

“At the current pace, Arizona is on track for its strongest export performance to date, topping $16 billion for the 1st time,” concludes ADOC Director Gilbert Jimenez.

Arizona's Top 10 Export Markets (1Q 2006)

1. Mexico
1Q 2005 $1.1 B
1Q 2006 $1.3 B
% change: 16%

2. Canada
1Q 2005 $412 M
1Q 2006 $520 M
% change: 26%

3. Singapore
1Q 2005 $196 M
1Q 2006 $311 M
% change: 58%

4. Malaysia
1Q 2005 $99 M
1Q 2006 $263 M
% change: 165%

5. UK
1Q 2005 $143 M
1Q 2006 $247 M
% change: 72%

6. China
1Q 2005 $128 M
1Q 2006 $185 M
% change: 44%

7. Germany
1Q 2005 $161 M
1Q 2006 $176 M
% change: 9%

8. Japan
1Q 2005 $120 M
1Q 2006 $168 M
% change: 40%

9. Netherlands
1Q 2005 $36 M
1Q 2006 $158 M
% change: 342%

10. France
1Q 2005 $125 M
1Q 2006 $116 M
% change: -7%