Issue link: http://www.insightdigital.biz/i/214203
Wisconsin merchandise exports increased 0.4 percent in the first half of 2013 compared with the same period of 2012, growing from $11.66 billion to $11.70 billion. This was a record high export level for the state. Wisconsin's merchandise export sales in the first half of 2013 outpaced the 2012 figures for many top destinations: • United Arab Emirates (+268 percent) • Mexico (+19 percent) • China (+11 percent) • Korea (+11 percent) • Japan (+3 percent) Key merchandise export categories include: machinery; computer and electronic products; transportation equipment; food and related products; and chemicals. 95% 51% 87% 39% Source: The International Trade Administration (ITA) Each year, 14 Wisconsin ports handle more than 33 million tons of cargo, valued at more than $8 billion . In 2012, the Port of Green Bay imported/exported more than 1.9 million tons. Wisconsin ports provide an important transportation alternative for the movement of goods, generate approximately $1.4 billion in economic activity and support more than 8,000 jobs. Source: Port of Green Bay Nearly three-fourths of companies have sustainability goals. 80% 42% 78% 71% • 95% of manufacturers agree product quality is very important, making it the most important issue of overall concern to manufacturers. • 51% of consumers believe manufacturers use the lowest-cost materials for their products, regardless of quality. • 87% of manufacturers believe consumers are becoming more interested in the potential health impact of products. • 39% of consumers believe manufacturers don't provide all the important information about the potential health impact of their products. • 80% of manufacturers believe supply chain transparency is important. • 42% of consumers believe manufacturers do not provide sufficient transparency into their supply chains. • 78% of manufacturers believe consumers are concerned about the ethical/ fair treatment of workers. • 71% of consumers believe manufacturers haven't taken adequate steps to ensure the ethical/fair treatment of workers. Source: The Wisconsin Sustainable Business Council w w w.in s i g h t o n m f g . c o m November 2013 Source: UL's The Product Mindset 2013 • / insight on manufacturing | 25