Federal figures show the Peoria region is a major U.S. exporter, sending abroad more merchandise per person than any other part of the country.

Peoria's port district TransPORT said Tuesday the five most popular products exported from Greater Peoria are machinery, fabricated metal products, chemicals, transportation equipment and electrical equipment.

Most of the products are headed for Chile, Canada, Brazil, Belgium and Australia.

The Peoria region exported nearly $30,000 worth of products per person in 2010. That's according to the International Trade Administration, a bureau of the U.S. Department of Commerce. Exports totaled more than $11 billion, making the Peoria region the 22nd largest export market in the nation.

Manufacturers exporting to world markets from Peoria include Caterpillar, Komatsu, Case New Holland, Kress Manufacturing and Excel Foundry.