ST. PAUL, Minn. – Exports of Minnesota products to other countries fell 9% in the 2023 quarter ending in June, mostly because of declines un fuels and cereals. The state economic development agency said the decline was the first in two years. Total second-quarter exports: $6.1 billion. The changes:
Export gains
> Vehicles: Up 54%.
> Iron ore, slag and ash: Up 29%.
> Pharmaceutical: Up 27%.
> Aircraft and spacecraft: Up 21%.
> Optic and Medical: Up 8%.
Export losses
> Petroleum products: Off 82%.
> Cereals: Off 46%.
> Plastics: Off 17%.
> Food by-products: Off 26%.