By Mike Sunnucks – Phoenix Business Journal

Arizona exports increased by 2.7% in 2008. The state’s exports were $19.7 billion for the year, up from $19.2 billion in 2007, according to the U.S. and Arizona commerce departments.

Exports were one of the few economic highlights of 2008, with the weak dollar and growing consumer markets in Asia boosting demand for U.S. and Arizona goods.

Mexico was Arizona’s largest export market, with $5.9 billion worth of goods going there in 2008.

Mexico, Canada, the U.K., France and Taiwan were all export growth markets for Arizona in 2008. Arizona businesses sent less to China, Germany, Singapore and Malaysia in 2008 than in 2007, according to the trade statistics.

The state saw gains in exports of mining equipment, metal parts, chemicals and farm equipment in 2008. But Arizona exports of computers, electronics and transportation equipment were down compared to 2007.