In a first, gas and other fuels are top US export

NEW YORK -- For the first time in at least 21 years, the top export of the world's biggest gas guzzler, is -- wait for it -- fuel.

Measured in dollars, the United States is on pace this year to ship more gasoline, diesel and jet fuel than any other type of export, according to government records dating back to 1990.

Here are the top U.S. exports for the past six years, according to U.S. Census records.

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2011 (Through October)

1 -- Fuel: $73.4 billion;

2 -- Aircraft: $70.8 billion;

3 -- Motor Vehicles: $39.6 billion;

4 -- Vacuum Tubes: $37.1 billion;

5 -- Telecommunications Equipment: $33.2 billion.

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2010

1 -- Aircraft: $79.2 billion;

2 -- Fuel: $53.7 billion;

3 -- Vacuum Tubes: $47.3 billion;

4 -- Motor Vehicles: $39.3 billion;

5 -- Telecommunications Equipment: $35.3 billion.

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2009

1 -- Aircraft: $82.9 billion;

2 -- Vacuum Tubes: $37.7 billion;

3 -- Fuel: $36.5 billion;

4 -- Telecommunications Equipment: $30.8 billion;

5 -- Motor Vehicles: $28.4 billion.

2008

1 -- Aircraft: $72 billion;

2 -- Fuel: $51.8 billion;

3 -- Motor Vehicles: $50.7 billion;

4 -- Vacuum Tubes: $50.6 billion;

5 -- Telecommunications Equipment: $35.4 billion.

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2007

1 -- Aircraft: $75.9 billion;

2 -- Vacuum Tubes: $50.2 billion;

3 -- Motor Vehicles: $44.8 billion;

4 -- Vehicle Parts: $$35.1 billion;

5 -- Telecommunications Equipment: $32.4 billion.

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2006

1 -- Aircraft: $66.7 billion;

2 -- Vacuum Tubes: $53 billion;

3 -- Motor Vehicles: $35.4 billion;

4 -- Vehicle Parts: $34 billion;

5 -- Telecommunications Equipment: $28.8 billion.

(asterisk)Source: U.S. Census Bureau