THERE WAS an increase in international exports from Scotland to an estimated £23.9 billion.
Official statistics show the total value of exports for Scotland rose to £69.4bn in 2011, with the rest of the UK accounting for £45.5 bn of the total.
Overseas exports rose by £1.6 bn on 2010, while the home market jumped £1.9bn.
America continues to be the leading destination for international exports with sales totalling an estimated £3.5bn in 2011.
The figures, in the latest Global Connections survey, revealed an estimated £11bn of exports went to countries in the European Union, with Holland the biggest market on the Continent.
The top five industries for international exports in 2011 were food-and-drink with exports estimated at £4.2bn, the manufacturing of coke, refined petroleum and other chemicals which added a further £3.7bn and the electronics, financial and mechanical engineering sectors which accounted for sales of £4.2bn.
