Digestadd

Digestadd California Exports Fall California exports dropped sharply in the third quarter, as Mexico for the first time surpassed Japan to become the state’s top export destination. Merchandise exports from California totaled $21.1 billion during the quarter, a 9.4 percent decrease from third-quarter 1997. For the year, California exports are down 3.3 percent. Although exports to Mexico rose by 3.4 percent, even that market is showing signs of trouble. Exports to Mexico were up 30 percent in the first quarter and 15 percent in the second, but as the peso continues to lose ground against the dollar, southbound exports have begun to slow.