(RALEIGH) --  North Carolina exports hit a record high in 2011. Merchandise exports grew 8 percent to $27 billion, according to Gov. Bev Perdue. This breaks a record set in 2008 at $25 billion.

“North Carolina’s record level of exports in 2011 is a clear indicator that our efforts to stimulate the economy by seeking out new markets and new opportunities for trade and investment are paying off,” said Gov. Perdue. “My top priority of creating jobs is supported by our focus on making North Carolina globally competitive.”

The manufacturing sector continued to dominate exports with the top ten accounting for 79 percent of total shipments in 2011. North Carolina’s top five trading partners are Canada, China, Mexico, Japan, and Germany.