Palin Needs to Travel-Boost Exports

Another reason for Gov. Palin to be traveling abroad and getting the requisite foreign policy exposure she needs and can utilize in the future.

The Anchorage Daily News reports that Alaska exports are down 11% and gives a breakdown of the state's top export partners:

• Japan -- $1.1 billion, up 22 percent. Seafood was 51 percent of the total, energy (liquefied natural gas) 31 percent, minerals 13 percent, forest products 3 percent.

• China -- $733 million, up 2 percent. Seafood was 55 percent of the total, minerals 17 percent, energy 16 percent fish meal 3 percent, forest products 3 percent.

• Canada -- $370 million, down 33 percent. Minerals (zinc) was 57 percent of the total, seafood 23 percent, energy 9 percent, machinery 3 percent.

• South Korea -- $366 million, down 48 percent. Seafood was 62 percent of the total, minerals 28 percent, forest products 7 percent, energy 2 percent.

• Germany -- $208 million, up 3 percent. Seafood comprises 81 percent of the total and minerals 17 percent.

• Switzerland -- $148 million, up 12 percent. Precious metals was 96 percent of the total and seafood 3 percent.