Export Bonanza: Monroe Reaches Record $169 million
MONROE, LA (AP) — Merchandise exports for the Monroe metropolitan area reached a record high of $168.6 million in 2013, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce's International Trade Administration. That was up about $23 million — 16 percent — from 2012, reports Kaleb Causey with The News-Star.
The figure has climbed steadily since a low of $82 million in 2009.
Causey reports paper products made in the Monroe area find their way to Japan, China, Central America and Canada, vehicle lift-kits manufactured in West Monroe are increasingly being used in Dubai and there's a growing demand for locally produced baby products in Germany.
Top exports for this area include paper, machinery, plastic and rubber products, chemicals and primary metals.
According to ITA, the main trading partners are in Asia.
Ouachita Terminals, a shipping port in West Monroe, handles much of the area's exports.
