Oregon Public Broadcasting

Oregon’s high-tech exports dropped more than 5.5 percent last year – according to a report released Tuesday by the American Electronics Association. Kristian Foden-Vencil reports.

Oregon kept the same 8th place ranking as last year, but the value of its exports dropped by $385 million.

American Electronics Association spokesman, Jim Craven, says the drop mirrors a three percent decline in exports nationwide.  But he says, the state needs to keep a keen eye on overseas trade.

Jim Craven: “The high tech exports out of Oregon represent almost 40 percent of everything that leaves the state in terms of exports. That’s considerably higher than the U.S., where it’s around 18 percent.”

Twenty-nine states saw tech exports increase last year, including Virginia, Florida and Idaho. Everywhere else witnessed a drop – even the largest exporters: California and Texas.

The countries where all those computer goods ended up -- by rank are: the European Union, Canada, Mexico and China.