TWIN FALLS, Idaho (AP) -- Idaho exports, bolstered by strong sales in the agricultural and technology sectors, set a new quarterly record during the first three months of 2011 with sales in foreign markets of $1.52 billion.

The record output for the first quarter was also driven by strong sales and rising price of silver, according to figures compiled by the Idaho Department of Labor.

The first quarter performance of $1.52 billion is 25 percent higher than the same three-month period a year ago and 16 percent better than the final quarter of 2010, according to the agency. The period from January to March is the seventh consecutive quarter for exports to top the $1 billion mark.

Statistics gathered by the agency show Idaho's technology sector, specifically the sales of computer chips, was the big driver behind the record quarter, with receipts of $662 million, the second best quarter on record for computer chips. Sales were especially strong to buyers in China, South Korea, Taiwan and Singapore. Those countries accounted for more than two-thirds of computer chip receipts.

Statistics gathered by the agency show Idaho's technology sector, specifically the sales of computer chips, was the big driver behind the record quarter, with receipts of $662 million, the second best quarter on record for computer chips. Sales were especially strong to buyers in China, South Korea, Taiwan and Singapore. Those countries accounted for more than two-thirds of computer chip receipts.

Canada is still Idaho's leading trading partner, accounting for 30 percent of all first quarter exports, including $91 million in silver.

Sales of food and agricultural products topped $200 million.

Overall, Idaho's growth from one year to another ranked 15th among the nation's states and above the national export increase of 18.4 percent.

The strong export news coincides with positive developments in other economic indicators.

Last month, the state collected $377 million in tax revenue, beating legislative budget projections by $14 million and adding optimism that the state's economy is rebounding from the deepest recession since the Great Depression.

Idaho has collected $2.06 billion so far in fiscal 2011, about $74.2 million more in general fund revenue than projected early in the fiscal year.

And while unemployment in March held at 9.7 percent for the fourth straight month, federal statistics showed that in April the number of people working grew faster than the number of people seeking employment for the first time in four years.

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Information from: The Times-News, http://www.magicvalley.com