However, most of the value-added processing takes place outside of Alaska. Forestry and hard rock minerals are also major players in Alaska's economy. Timber is especially important in the southeastern region, and provides thousands of jobs and hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue to Southeast Alaska. Hard rock minerals are one of Alaska's most important undeveloped natural resources, including coal, gold, silver, copper, and many others. According to the Alaska Miners Association, Alaska now provides the greatest opportunity for minerals exploration and development in all of North America.
Tourism is another one of the state's most important industries.
Alaska Economic Trends, Alaska Department of Labor, Research, and Analysis Section. Alaska is more susceptible to Asia's economic woes than other U.S. states. Toward the end of 1997, employment in Alaska remained above the 1996 level, even though economic growth declined in the latter months of 1997. Most of the decline is a result of the reductions in retail and wholesale trade and services, accounting for ninety percent of the jobs lost in October. However, the Alaskan economy grew rapidly during the first quarter of 1998.