Montana Governor Bullock Announces Continued Record High Exports

Governor Steve Bullock announced today that Montana’s international commodity exports remained steady for 2012, maintaining Montana’s all-time record of $1.6 billion set in 2011. The 2012 figure is a 13% increase over the state’s last record set in 2008.

"Strong international export numbers translate into jobs for Montanans," said Governor Steve Bullock. "Our products are in high demand and these new trends shed light on the value of both our emerging and tried and true industries."

Canada remained the state’s top export destination, followed by the Republic of Korea and China. Belgium moved up from ninth to fourth place with an increase of 159% over 2011 figures. This increase is attributed to the country’s interest in Montana pharmaceutical commodities.

Taiwan maintained its number five position, while Switzerland moved up from 22nd in 2011 to sixth place in 2012 with an 871% increase. This jump is due mainly to strong sales of coal, which is Montana’s number one export to Switzerland.

Mexico, Japan, Germany, and the Philippines round out the top ten export partners respectively.

Mineral fuel exports (coal and light oils (petroleum)) were one of the top export commodities. This category increased 6% over 2011 figures and fetched a total of $397 million in export sales. Canada is the largest importer of light oils and petroleum products. The Republic of Korea is the largest importer of Montana coal, followed by Switzerland, China, Taiwan, and Australia.

Other export commodities showing strong increases over 2011 are milling products (malt barley, etc.) which expanded 351%, with the lion’s share exported to Canada. Pharmaceutical products (diagnostics, cultures, etc.) increased 149%, largely destined to Belgium. Edible vegetables (peas, lentils, beans, etc.) grew 129% with the majority being sent to India. Live animal exports reached a reported gain of 63% with the bulk of this commodity being exported to Russia, with a focus on live, purebred, breeding cattle.

Final analysis is not complete for the state’s 2012 bulk wheat exports. In 2011, Montana sent 116.4 million bushels of wheat to exporting facilities in the U.S., totaling over $881 million. Traditionally, Japan is the top export destination for Montana wheat, with secondary markets being Taiwan, South Korea, the Philippines, and Indonesia (roughly 80% of all Montana wheat is exported to Asia).

Overall, bulk wheat remains Montana’s leading export commodity, followed by coal and oil, inorganic chemicals, industrial machinery, vehicles/parts, Portland cement, talc, and pharmaceutical products.