Exports from metro St. Louis are projected to grow 71 percent over the course of this decade, according to a new report issued today by the U.S. Conference of Mayors.

While expanding global trade is expected to drive a quick clip of export growth nearly every place, St. Louis' pace is one of the fastest among major U.S. metro areas, largely due to the strength of the chemicals and advanced manufacturing industries here. The report – prepared by economic forecasting firm IHS Global Insight – projects that the region's global exports will climb from $11.1 billion in 2010 to about $19 billion in 2020. For comparison, the output of the entire St. Louis-area economy in 2010 was $129.7 billion, according to the Commerce Department.

Increasing demand around the globe for things like fertilizer, pharmaceuticals and plastics will help grow exports here, said Karl Kuykendall, one of the economists who authored the study.

“We think the potential for chemicals exports over the next decade is very bright,” he said. “That bodes well for St. Louis.”

Demand for high-end manufacturing, like medical devices and airplane parts, will also help.