Submitted by CARPE DIEM

BISMARK, ND — North Dakota ranked top in the nation for export growth in 2007, according to U.S. Commercial Service reports. The state’s exports totaled $2 billion in 2007, up 34% from its $1.5 billion in exports in 2006; nationally, export growth was 12% more than the previous year.

Among the top export destinations for North Dakota were Canada, which represented 49% of the market, Mexico, Belgium, Germany, Russia, Ukraine and Australia. The top exports were skid steer loaders, motor vehicle parts, agricultural tractors, wheat, oil, sunflowers, machinery and crops, according to reports.

Dept. of Commerce International Trade Administration: Since the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) was signed in 1993, North Dakota’s combined exports to Canada and Mexico have increased 83%.

WSJ Washington Wire — North Dakota Sen. Byron Dorgan endorsed Barack Obama, saying the fact that Obama “has always opposed NAFTA” was a major factor in his endorsement.

(HT: National Association of Manufacturers)

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