State's exports rise in third quarter

Nevada's exports for the third quarter rose

10 percent from the same period a year ago,

according to the U.S. Department of

Commerce.

Mike Skaggs, executive director of the

Nevada Commission on Economic

Development, said the weak U.S. dollar kept

the door open for exports from companies in

the state.

Exports of precious metals mostly the

gold that is shipped to Switzerland were up

12 percent from a year ago. Also showing big

increases were foreign sales of industrial

machinery, up by 38 percent from a year ago,

and exports of optic, medical and surgical

equipment, which rose 24 percent.

Food and agricultural exports increased 37

percent over 2007 to a record $58.7 million.

The largest increase, $9.2 million,was in the

export of bottled water products to Canada

and Australia.

During the first nine months of the year,

Nevada's companies exported to 175 countries.

Nevada's top export markets for the third

quarter were Switzerland, Canada, China and

Japan.

Exports to South America, which totaled

$136 million for the quarter, have increased 76

percent over 2007.