While exports declined by about 4 percent last year--from the $12.46 billion number in 2013--the state still posted the third highest annual export value in Kansas history.
Matt Keith with the Kansas Department of Commerce who released the report says that several key industries experienced strong growth in exporting last year, particularly manufacturing.
"The largest increases occurred in aviation in exports, those grew by $255 million, as well as exports of vehicles and parts which grew by $122 million," says Keith. "That growth of aviation in particular is a very encouraging sign that Kansas manufacturers are doing an excellent job taking advantage of new opportunities that are emerging in the general aviation market."
Canada continues to be Kansas’ largest export market, accounting for 21 percent of total exports. Mexico-- passed China as Kansas’ second largest export market. Exports to Mexico grew by more than $250 million last year, an increase of 16 percent.
