Idaho second quarter exports rise

Idaho export sales increased 54 percent in the second quarter compared with the year-earlier period. In the second quarter, exports reached $2.566 billion, which is $17.3 million less than the record high two years ago, according to the Idaho Department of Commerce.

The top Idaho export category continues to be semiconductors, but exports of light aircraft, semiconductor equipment, dehydrated dairy products, precious and semi-precious metals, paper products, and transportation equipment have remained strong.

Technology products were up 60 percent and transportation equipment were up 489 percent compared with the same period in 2009.

Damien Bard, administrator of the international business division at the department, said, "We are encouraged by the improved performance across a broad range of export sectors. The improving export economy and diversity of Idaho companies who are shipping products internationally is a positive indicator for job creation."

The top export destinations for Idaho goods during the second quarter of 2010 were Canada, Singapore, Taiwan, China and South Korea. Idaho companies export products to more than 115 countries, the department said.

Products ranging from integrated circuits to agricultural machinery to wood and forest products are exported from Idaho. The state of Idaho maintains offices in Taiwan, Mexico and China to support companies export assistance needs.