Alabama exports up in 2012

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — Governor Robert Bentley says Alabama exports hit a record $19.5 billion in 2012. That was up more than 9 percent from the previous year. The governor said it's a sign that Alabama's economy is continuing to improve. The increase moved Alabama from 25th to 22nd among the states in exports. Bentley said Alabama exported products to 188 countries last year. Alabama's top markets were Canada at $3.9 billion, Germany at $2.5 billion, China at $2.4 billion and Mexico at $2 billion. The state's largest category for exports was transportation equipment, followed by chemicals.