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In 2003, Maine
companies exported $2.189 billion in locally produced goods, $217 million
more than in 2002, hitting their highest level on record.
The performance in 2003 translates to a 10.9 percent annual jump in
international sales, which is faster than the growth rate of 8.8 percent
registered in 2002, and a lot better than the anemic 1.9 percent increase
achieved in 2001.
Nationally, exports rose 4.7 percent, compared with a 5.1 percent decline in
2002.
Maine’s businesses not only increased their foreign sales in 2003 at an
accelerated pace from 2002, but also achieved an export expansion at a
growth rate twice the nation’s average.
The year’s good news wasn’t reflected in December, when Maine exports fell
16.5 percent for the month, led by a deep decline in agricultural products,
which are influenced by seasonal trends.
In comparison to last year, Maine companies shipped abroad in December
$173.2 million in merchandise, or $2.9 million less than December 2002
exports.
Exports of manufactured goods — which account for 69 percent of all state
exports — were almost flat in December, edging down $0.9 million from
November’s total.
However, exports of non-manufactured goods — agricultural and mining
products — fell $17.1 million to $34.8 million in December from the previous
month.
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