According to the Montana Department of Commerce, exports matched an all-time record of $1.6 billion set in 2011.

Canada remained the state’s top export destination, followed by the Republic of Korea and China.

Belgium moved up from ninth to fourth place, jumping 159% over 2011 figures.

Taiwan maintained its number five position, while Switzerland moved up from 22nd in 2011 to sixth place in 2012, an 871% increase. Bullock said the spike was mainly due to strong sales of coal, which is Montana’s number one export to Switzerland.

In fact, mineral fuel exports including coal and light oils such as petroleum were one of the top export commodities for the state last year.

Under this category, exports increased 6% over 2011 figures, providing a total of $397 million in export sales.

Canada was the largest importer of light oils and petroleum products while the Republic of Korea was the largest importer of Montana coal, followed by Switzerland, China, Taiwan and Australia.

Bullock said that, overall, bulk wheat remained Montana’s leading export commodity, followed by coal and oil, then inorganic chemicals, industrial machinery, vehicles/parts, Portland cement, talc and pharmaceutical products.

“Strong international export numbers translate into jobs for Montanans,” Bullock said.

“Our products are in high demand and these new trends shed light on the value of both our emerging and tried and true industries.”