Tennessee exports hit record $33 billion in 2014

Exports from Tennessee companies set a record in 2014 for the fifth consecutive year, hitting $33 billion statewide.

According to information released by the U.S. Department of Commerce, Tennessee exports in 2014 increased 2.2 percent over the previous year and 61 percent over 2009.

The state helped the U.S. hit an all-time record for goods and services exports in 2014: $2.35 trillion. That compares with $2.3 trillion in 2013 and $2.2 trillion in 2012.

The leading export category in Tennessee last year was transportation equipment, which accounted for $7.4 billion of the $33 billion. Other leading sectors were computer and electronic products ($5.3 billion) and chemicals ($5 billion).

Canada was the leading destination for Tennessee-made products, followed by Mexico, China and Japan.

Tennessee was the 15th-largest state for exports. Texas, California and Washington ranked as the top three states for exports.

Reach Lizzy Alfs at 615-726-5948 and on Twitter @lizzyalfs.