Increased demand for Minnesota-made goods in China, Japan, Canada, Mexico, South Korea, Belgium, Singapore and the Philippines helped boost exports in 2011 by $1.4 billion.

Minnesota exports grew two percent in the first three months of 2012 to $4.9 billion, according to the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development. Canada was the state's biggest export customer. Exports to South Korea and Mexico jumped roughly 25 percent.

New state data for the second quarter of 2012 has revealed that the state government has shed 863 positions -- more than two percent of its workforce -- from the same period a year ago. Among those affected the most are the Department of Transportation, which lost 298 positions, leaving a workforce of 4,686 people; and the Employment and Economic Development Agency, which shed 218 positions to leave 1,570 employees.

In its forecast for the new year the Fed says agriculture and mining look strong in Minnesota but the housing construction market remains sluggish.