(The Center Square) – Missouri’s exports increased 13.1% from the second quarter of 2023 to the second quarter of this year and totaled slightly less than $10 billion as Missouri Republican Gov. Mike Parson completed his 11th trade mission earlier this month.
Parson visited Panama in early August, the 15th country visited. During those trips, he was joined by business leaders, elected officials from both parties and members of his cabinet as they promoted the state. However, exports to North America accounted for more than half of Missouri exports, according to information from the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center.
“Over half of all Missouri’s export income came from the top three recipients in 2024,” according to the report. “Canada purchased just under $3.5 billion in goods, followed by Mexico ($2 billion), and Japan ($603 million).”
Parson led a contingent to Japan last October, but didn’t visit Canada or Mexico during his tenure as governor. Parson led a contingent to Israel, United Arab Emirates and Greece in November, 2022. The center reported Israel had the largest increase in exports (598%) from the second quarter in 2023 ($15.68 million) to the second quarter of this year ($97.94 million). The top export industry was aerospace products and parts.