Technology goods fuel Idaho’s $1.4 billion export rally

The total value of Idaho exports soared during the first half of 2004, led by the high-tech industry.

Ag exports dropped, but that was due to a ban on U.S. beef, a situation that could be about to change.

By Sean Ellis – Journal Writer

http://www.journalnet.com/articles/2004/11/01/news/local/news10.txt

The total value of Idaho products shipped abroad rose 49 percent during the first two quarters (January-June) of this year, to $1.4 billion.

The total value of Idaho exports during all of 2003 was $2.1 billion.

Idaho semiconductor exports led the growth, with a 76 percent increase for the first half of 2004 compared to the same period in 2003.

Exports from Idaho’s technology sector were slightly over $1 billion, accounting for more than 70 percent of all exports.

Semiconductor exports reached $700 million, nearly 50 percent of the total.

"It proves how important high-tech is to our economy," said Georgia Smith of the Idaho Department of Commerce and Labor’s economic development division.

"The value of our exports could very well reach $3 billion by year’s end," IDCL Director Roger Madsen stated in a news release.

"Our national economy is getting stronger and the results are beginning to surface throughout all of Idaho."

Ag exports were down 2.4 percent overall, due largely to a drop in beef exports.

That was caused by a ban on U.S. beef by most major markets because of a single case of Mad Cow Disease discovered in Washington state in December 2003.

Meat exports from Idaho totaled $3.8 million during the first half of 2004, a 72 percent decline from 2003.

But things could be about to change for cattlemen.
Sean Ellis – Journal Writer">
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The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced Wednesday Taiwan has agreed in principle to resume imports of U.S. beef and beef products.

Taiwan purchased $325 million worth of beef products in 2003. According to a USDA news release, a U.S. delegation is meeting with other countries to try to get them to lift their bans as well.

"That bodes very well for our overall agricultural exports," Smith said.

According to the IDCL, other ag exports in Idaho are up, including potato flakes, which increased 131 percent, and wheat (107 percent).

Smith said Idaho companies that deal in building supply products are also faring well in the export arena, especially in markets in China that have a lot of new home construction.

There has also been a lot of interest recently in environmental services companies in Idaho, she added.

Smith said the increase in exports is proof the state’s trade efforts are working.

One of the department’s missions is to raise awareness of Idaho products and services abroad and connect Idaho companies with buyers.

"We have aggressively tried to do that by hosting delegations from (other countries)," Smith said.

The state agriculture and commerce and labor departments work together on a number of international trade efforts.

That includes attending trade shows, coordinating trade missions, hosting buying delegations from other countries and special promotions.

In addition, Idaho food products will be featured in December during 14 cooking shows to be held in Mexico.

Idaho chef Christian Lamont will demonstrate Gem State food products on TV Atzeca and Televesia, two of Northern Mexico’s largest stations.

"That’s great exposure for the state and for Idaho products," Smith said.

Nationally, U.S. exports were up 13.6 percent compared with the first half of 2003, according to the IDCL. Idaho ranked 37th out of 50 states in exports during that time.

Only four states – Delaware, Nebraska, Ohio and Washington – had a smaller total value of exports than in 2003.