I think I found a way around this.
When I want to export a report as a table (.csv or Excel), I have to look at the Data tab and make sure the properties are in the desired order THERE. Don’t look at the Visualization tab unless your audience will view the table online.
When I have arranged the Data in the desired sequence, it exports in the desired sequence.
Shouldn’t be necessary to dink around with it so much, but at least there is a work around. Hope this helps.