Aerospace Manufacturing Boosts State Exports to 30th in U.S.

Federal officials say Connecticut exports powered by the aerospace industry reached a record $10.5 billion last year, ranking the Hartford area as the 30th largest export market in the nation.

The Commerce Department reports that exports of transportation equipment, which mostly includes aerospace parts, totaled $6.5 billion. Other exports include machinery, electrical equipment, computer and electronic products and fabricated metal products.

Exports increased by $312 million, or 3.1 percent, in 2014 from the previous year.

The state's top export markets included Canada, China, France, Germany and United Arab Emirates.

Connecticut's aerospace supply chain dates to the industry's start in the 1920s, with companies making parts for airline engines and other components for General Electric Co. and United Technologies Corp.

The industry is benefiting from rising demand as commercial airline manufacturing is expected to rise.