The U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration (ITA) announced new export data showing merchandise exports from the Milwaukee-Waukesha-West Allis metropolitan area totaled a record $9.2 billion, an increase of 4 percent or $349 million from 2011 to 2012.
“Businesses in the greater Milwaukee metropolitan area are thriving and continually expanding to markets around the country and around the world,” Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker said. “This record growth is great news for workers, and it is a clear indication that global companies understand the value of Wisconsin products and are coming to us for their business needs.”
Key merchandise export categories for the Milwaukee-Waukesha-West Allis metropolitan area in 2012 included machinery, computer and electronic products, transportation equipment, electrical equipment, and chemicals. Canada, Mexico, China, Chile, and Japan were the leading destinations for Milwaukee exports.
“These export numbers show that even in these challenging economic times, area companies continue to enhance their competitiveness and bottom line by making new sales abroad,” said Damian Felton, director of the U.S. Commercial Service Export Assistance Center in Milwaukee. “Our office can take companies through the process of exporting and help determine which partner or distribution channel is best.”
