Industrial supplies and materials were the leading driver of export growth for the year ending in the second quarter of 2008, accounting for about 36% of the growth, according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
American exports grew at an inflation-adjusted rate of 11.8% in the 12 months studied. Capital goods, except automotive, accounted for about 34% of the growth; automotive, consumer and other goods accounted for about 22%; and foods, feeds and beverages accounted for about 8%.
Source: Bureau of Economic Analysis, www.bea.gov.