La. exports rank No. 5 nationally

Louisiana’s worldwide exports jumped to a record $16.5 billion in the first quarter, up 15.6 percent over the same period in 2012, according to the World Trade Center in New Orleans. The increase in exports — those produced in the state and passing through the state — pushed Louisiana to the No. 5 ranking among exporting states, up two spots from a year ago. Louisiana exports increased at more than double the average nationwide. Here’s a look at Louisiana’s first-quarter export values, with the percent change from the same period in 2012

Top La. exports by industry

Petroleum/coal products $5.8 billion +21%

Agricultural products $4.6 billion -5%

Chemicals $2.1 billion +6%

Food/kindred products $1.6 billion +55%

Machinery, except electrical $1.0 billion +184%

Minerals/ores $294 million -20%

Primary metal manufacturing $238 million +49%

Beverages/tobacco products $173 million +46%

Fabricated metal products $144 million +19.2%

Transportation equipment $111 million +9%

Top La. export destinations

China $2.0 billion -14%

Mexico $1.8 billion +30%

Singapore $764 million +67%

Japan $731 million -22%

Canada $726 million +21%

Egypt $591 million +28%

Brazil $584 million +52%

Panama $554 million +488%

Netherlands $546 million -41%

Equatorial Guinea $510 million +26,786%