Va exports increase slightly to $18.2B in 2012

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Exports of goods from Virginia to more than 210 destinations around the globe continue to grow.

Virginia exports increased slightly to $18.2 billion in 2012, ranking it as the 26th largest exporting state in the U.S. That's according to data from the Virginia Economic Development Partnership's international trade office.

Manufactured goods accounted for about 84 percent of all Virginia merchandise exports in 2012, followed by agricultural exports and mineral fuel.

Virginia's top commodity in 2012 was industrial machinery totaling $2.55 billion. Electrical machinery was the second-largest, followed by vehicles, parts for aircraft or spacecraft, plastics, and paper and paperboard.

For the 16th consecutive year, Canada topped the list of destinations for Virginia exports. China was second on the list and the United Kingdom was third.