Birmingham Business Journal – August 27, 2012
Alabama merchandise exports are increasing at a faster pace than the national average. Merchandise exports from Alabama grew at more than twice the national average through the first six months of 2012, according to a new report from the International Trade Administration.
Alabama merchandise exports increased to $10.1 billion in the first half of 2012. That's up 16 percent from $8.7 billion from the same period in 2011. The national growth rate for merchandise exports was 7 percent.
Exports were also up for several of the state's top merchandise export destinations, including the United Kingdom (up 68 percent), Germany (up 55 percent) and Mexico (up 40 percent).
The state's key sectors for merchandise exports are transportation equipment, chemicals, minerals and ores, primary metals and machinery