Arizona Exports Climbed 30%

At current growth rates, 2006 is shaping up to be Arizona's strongest export year in history according to statistics jointly released by the ADOC & the U.S. Commercial Service offices in Phoenix & Tucson. In the 1st half of 2006, Arizona exported $9.15 billion in merchandise, a 30% increase over the 1st half of 2005.

"At the current pace, Arizona is on track for its strongest export performance to date, topping $18 billion for the 1st time," concludes ADOC Director Gilbert Jimenez.

"Sales to our NAFTA partners continue to be bright spots in Arizona's overall trade picture," adds Eric Nielsen of Arizona's US Export Assistance Centers. "Exports to Mexico are up over 20%. Likewise, exports to Canada will approach $2 billion for the 1st time."

Armando Bras of the ADOC notes, "Healthy Asian economies are translating into especially strong export opportunities for Arizona firms. For the 2nd consecutive quarter, Singapore ranks as the state's 3rd largest customer. And, for the 1st time, China has broken into the top 5 markets for Arizona exports."

The U.S. Commercial Service recently located its Phoenix office within the ADOC. This proximity allows for better access to information & better coordination of Arizona's overall export services to businesses.

The Phoenix U.S. Export Assistance Center, a division of the U.S.Commercial Service, & the ADOC announced a partnership designed to bolster local exporters' access to international sales-building services. This will result in increased collaboration & more widely available assistance to Arizona's growing pool of export-ready companies.

Kristian Richardson, a federal trade specialist responsible for the IT & automotive sectors, began working alongside his ADOC colleagues in early Oct.

Arizona's Top Ten Export Markets (2Q 2006)

2Q 2005 2Q 2006 % change

1. Mexico $2.3 B $2.8 B21%
2. Canada $811 M $989 M 22%
3. Singapore $326 M $661 M 103%
4. Malaysia $253 M $465 M 83%
5. China $257 M $450 M 75%
6. UK $313 M $433 M 38%
7. Germany $367 M $380 M 4%
8. Netherlands $180 M $335 M 86%
9. Japan $236 M $320 M 35%
10. France $227 M $240 M 6%