million in 2010, or 21.6 percent of sales, which was significantly improved versus last year as the consumer electronic-related businesses showed significant year-on-year improvements. In 2009, this business segment recorded charges of $11 million related to restructuring actions, with this charge comprised of employee-related liabilities for severance and benefits.

 

Year 2009 results:

 

In 2009, sales were $2.3 billion, down 19.7 percent, with local-currency sales declining 17.8 percent, foreign currency translation reducing sales by 1.7 percent, and divestitures reducing sales by 0.2 percent. The global economic downturn weighed heavily on all businesses, particularly telecom infrastructure, commercial construction and utilities.

 

Operating income for the year was $322 million, with operating income margins of 14.2 percent. Operating income in 2009 included charges of $11 million related to restructuring actions, with this charge comprised of employee-related liabilities for severance and benefits. Operating income in 2008 was impacted by $7 million in restructuring expenses.



PERFORMANCE BY GEOGRAPHIC AREA

 

While 3M manages its businesses globally and believes its business segment results are the most relevant measure of performance, the Company also utilizes geographic area data as a secondary performance measure. Export sales are generally reported within the geographic area where the final sales to 3M customers are made. A portion of the products or components sold by 3M’s operations to its customers are exported by these customers to different geographic areas. As customers move their operations from one geographic area to another, 3M’s results will follow. Thus, net sales in a particular geographic area are not indicative of end-user consumption in that geographic area.

 

Financial information related to 3M operations in various geographic areas is provided in Note 18. Operating income results by geographic area were significantly impacted by restructuring and other items. In 2009, restructuring actions, partially offset by a gain on sales of real estate, decreased worldwide operating income by $194 million, with the largest impact in Europe, Asia Pacific and the United States. In 2008, restructuring actions, exit activities and a loss on sale of businesses, which were partially offset by a gain on sale of real estate, decreased worldwide operating income by $269 million, with the largest impact in the United States and Europe.

 

A summary of key information and discussion related to 3M’s geographic areas follow:

 

For total year 2010, as shown in the preceding table, sales rose 15.3 percent, driven largely by organic volume increases of 13.7 percent. Every major geographic region expanded sales, with total sales in Asia Pacific up 34.9 percent, Latin America/Canada up 17.2 percent, the United States up 8.2 percent, and Europe, Middle East and Africa up 4.8 percent. Investments in innovation and new product development, sales and marketing capability and localized manufacturing created new growth opportunities in adjacent market spaces. For 2010, international operations represented nearly two-thirds of 3M’s