Maryland (Map, News) - Maryland businesses exported a record $7.6 billion worth of goods last year, state Department of Business and Economic Development officials announced Friday. That’s up from $7.1 billion in 2005.

Department spokeswoman Karen Glenn Hood said the state shipped goods to more than 200 foreign countries; Canada topped the list again.

The main reason for the increase in exports is that Maryland over the past 18 months has opened new international offices in Beijing and Bangalore, India, and reopened its previously closed Taiwan office.

Glenn Hood said these offices are geared toward spurring international and state business partnerships.

To help achieve this first objective, the state’s economic development department offers several export assistance programs for small- and mid-sized companies and coordinates international trade and investment missions for growing businesses.

Glenn Hood said her department does not have an immediate county-by-county breakdown of imports. But Montgomery County-based Lockheed Martin continues to contribute to the state’s total dollar figures.

According to officials, transportation equipment is the most substantial export industry, with computers and electronics just behind it.

Business and Economic Development Secretary David Edgerley said in a written statement he hopes the foreign market grows more in 2007.

“We know we have only scratched the surface when it comes to promoting products made by Maryland companies on an international scale,” he said.

dlevitz@dcexaminer.com

Top countries exported goods to last year:

1. Canada » $1.5 billion

2. Egypt » $810 million

3. United Kingdom » $445 million

4. The Netherlands » $355 million

5. Belgium » $335 million

6. Germany » $325 million

7. Japan » $315 million

8. China (Mainland) » $308 million

9. Mexico » $231 million

10. France » $220 million