ST. PAUL, Minn. – Exports of Minnesota products surged 11% ahead of a year earlier, according to the latest report from the state Economic Development agency. The total was $6.7 billion from July through September. The greatest growth:
> Mineral fuel and oil. up 369%.
> Aircraft and spacecraft, up 33%.
> Plastics, up 27%.
Matt Varilek, economic development commissioner, credited the growth to a “flourishing relationships with our international trade partners.” Minnesota’s two largest markets remained Canada and Mexico. Mineral fuel and oil exports to Canada topped $520 million, up from $15 million. Exports to Mexico were pushed by electrical equipment, machinery, oil seeds and grain, and optic and medical goods. The overall Minnesota export growth, at 11%, outpaced the national rate of 3%.