Gov. Jay Nixon is leading a delegation of Missouri businesses, commodity groups and higher education institutions to South Korea and the Republic of China (Taiwan) from March 15-22. A primary goal of the mission will be the signing of several agreements between the state of Missouri and trade organizations in South Korea and Taiwan. Missouri businesses are also expected to negotiate contracts with customers in South Korea and Taiwan during the trade mission.
The past two calendar years, 2011 and 2012, were the best on record for export sales by Missouri businesses, with a total of $28 billion in Missouri-made goods sold around the world during those two years. South Korea, Missouri’s fourth largest trading partner, bought more than $709 million worth of Missouri goods in 2012, an increase of more than 16 percent over 2011. Missouri exports to Taiwan, the state’s 24th largest trading partner, continue to be strong, with more than $98 million in 2012.