Aerospace Manufacturing Leads Oklahoma’s Exports

Oklahoma exports totaled $4.4 billion in 2009, with aerospace components the most exported product, according to a report by the Oklahoma Department of Commerce.

While state exports were down from $5 billion in 2008, the value of exports to Mexico grew from $358 million to $527 million last year.

"Products made in Oklahoma are shipped to more than 170 countries around the world,” said state Commerce Secretary Natalie Shirley.

She said companies with globally competitive products, regardless of size, can be highly competitive in the international marketplace.

In 2009, aerospace components totaled more than $320 million in sales and accounted for more than 7 percent of all Oklahoma exports.

Nearly 70 percent of the state’s aerospace exports go to Canada, Germany, Japan, Turkey and the United Kingdom.

Sandy Pratt, deputy director for business services, said Commerce Department staff assisted more than 350 Oklahoma clients last year in their global endeavors. She said a favorable U.S. dollar exchange rate makes exports more competitive.

Other leading export products in the state include liquid pumps and parts for moving and lifting machinery.

Canada is the state’s largest market, with export sales surpassing $1.3 billion, the report states.

BY SUSAN SIMPSON of the NEWSOK

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