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Minnesota exports up 8 percent in 2017

Minnesota exports, which include many agricultural products, increased 8 percent in 2017.

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) shows the value of ag, mining, and manufactured exports at $21 billion dollars.

DEED Commissioner Shawntera Hardy says after suffering export losses in 2016, Minnesota companies bounced back by exporting more than 1,000 different products to a total of 203 countries a year ago.

Asian markets remain the top destination, surpassing $7 billion in sales.

Canada was the biggest individual export market last year, accounting for more than $4 billion in sales.

Machinery, food byproducts, and meat were some of the most sought-after ag exports produced in Minnesota in 2017.