The 45 percent overall growth from the third quarter of 2010 to the third quarter of 2011 can be attributed to increases in several categories, including big jumps in petroleum and coal exports and minerals and ores.
Louisiana's exports so far this year have increased 45 percent over the same period last year, according to data compiled by the Baton Rouge Business Report, marking the highest percentage of growth in the nation.
The Baton Rouge business journal writes in its Daily Report online that the 45 percent overall growth from the third quarter of 2010 to the third quarter of 2011 can be attributed to increases in several categories, including big jumps in petroleum and coal exports and minerals and ores. Louisiana's $39.9 billion in export revenues rank it seventh in the country for overall exports:
"2011 has been a very strong year in almost every sector for Louisiana," says Larry Collins, Louisiana Economic Development director of International Services. "Economic uncertainty in the euro-zone has had little impact so far; growth in exports to countries like the Netherlands, Spain and Belgium reflect the continued demand for our state's products around the world."
Export year-over-year increases (third quarter of 2011 v. third quarter of 2010)
1. Petroleum and coal products - up 78 percent
2. Oil- and gas-related exports - up 559% from $45.8 million in 2010 to $301.9 million in 2011
3. Agricultural products - up 37.2 percent
4. Chemicals - up 31.5 percent
5. Food products - up 15.4 percent
6. Minerals and ores - up 142 percent to $1.3 billion
Source: Baton Rouge Business Report
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