N.D. exports up 24 percent

FARGO — North Dakota exports were up 24 percent in the first quarter of 2012 compared to the same period last year, moving the state from 44th to 41st place in the nation when it comes to exports.

According to the U.S. Commercial Service:

North Dakota exports were $2.05 billion for the first six months of this year.

Overall, U.S. exports increased 7 percent over the same period, narrowing the U.S. trade deficit, which stood at $42.9 billion in June, to the lowest it has been in more than a year.

June exports of U.S. goods were $132.8 billion, the highest ever.

The top five North Dakota exports and the amount exported in the first six months of 2012 include:

* Crude oil, $438 million, a 47 percent increase from the first half of 2011.

* Self-propelled dozers, $237 million, a 21 percent increase over 2011.

* Agricultural tractors, $161 million, a 32 percent increase over last year at this time.

* Soil-related ag equipment, $111 million, a 24 percent increase over 2011.

* Wheat, $96 million, a 21 percent drop from 2011.

An important note about North Dakota crude oil exports: most return to the United States via a pipeline that briefly enters Canada, the U.S. Commercial Service said.

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Tags: news, exports, business