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HELENA, Mont. (AP) The state says Montana exports rose to a record high in 2008 for a fourth consecutive year.

The Montana Department of Commerce says commodity exports rose 18 percent to about $2 billion in 2008.

Gov. Brian Schweitzer says exports have shown exceptional growth and state products are in high demand.

Bulk shipments of wheat led all commodity exports with $670 million in sales. Other Agriculture product exports also increased.

Other big increases were seen in chemical exports along with exports of minerals and ores. One exception was copper, which saw a decline of 77 percent.

Canada remained the top export market, followed by Japan, Taiwan, Korea and China.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 05-27-09 1557CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list