Maine’s export overachievers
While Maine’s other commodities have seen some increases in export activity, the food sectors – agricultural and seafood products – have been steadily rising since the Great Recession.
Here's a snapshot of what’s been going where. Read related article →
Source: WISERtrade.
Lobster
Maine lobster has found new markets in Asia, where China is the dominant importer. Imports there were on track to reach $30 million in 2014 – twice what was bought in 2013.The map above shows export destinations with a value of $1,000,000/year or more.
Salmon Products
Canada – long Maine's largest trading partner -- has increased its import of Maine salmon, from $74.3 million in 2012 to $81.5 million in 2013. Prior to 2012, there were no Maine exports of salmon.
Sea Urchin
Overfishing led to the near extinction of Maine sea urchins in the early ‘90s, but the stock has rebounded somewhat. Exports disappeared until 2012. In 2013, $25.1 million of the delicacies were shipped to Japan.
Elvers
Baby eels drew prices close to $2,000 a pound three years ago. The fishery has moderated somewhat, and in 2013 recorded nearly $15 million in exports to Japan and Hong Kong.
Potatoes
Many countries grow their own potatoes, but Maine’s potatoes are prized for their quality and price. Frozen potatoes have seen a 200 percent increase in export sales from 2007 to 2013. The map above shows export destinations with a value of $100,000/year or more.
Maple Products
Canada is Maine's prime destination for maple syrup. Canada in 2013 imported $6.6 million worth of syrup, a portion of which was likely distributed to customers in the United States.
Eggs
Hong Kong is the major destination for Maine eggs. The special administrative region of China imported $6.4 million of eggs in 2013 and was on pace to exceed that by $1 million in 2014. No exports of Maine eggs were recorded prior to 2011.
Livestock
Dairy cattle have been in big demand in Middle Eastern countries that are eager to improve their dairy stocks. Pregnant cows get shipped out of Eastport to destinations such as Israel and Turkey. But other countries, such as Australia, are also importing Maine livestock. The map above shows only countries whose export values exceed $10,000 in the given year.
Fresh Berries
Sales of blueberries internationally have doubled since 2007. While Japan’s demand for the nutritious berry has declined as its economy stalled, there’s been an uptick in demand elsewhere.
Frozen Fruit & Nuts
Canada and Japan have dominated the import of Maine frozen fruits and nuts, but Korea is coming on strong, recording imports of $203,000 in 2011 and increasing that to $2.5 million in 2013. The map above shows export destinations with a value of $100,000/year or more.
Lobster
Salmon Products
Sea Urchins
Elvers
potatoes
Maple Products
Eggs
Livestock
Fresh Berries
Frozen Fruit & Nuts
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