HUGE INCREASES FOR EXPORTS IN AUGUST

The value of international exports for August 2008 improved by a whopping 104 per cent (seasonally unadjusted) over last August according to Statistics Canada data released today. This was the highest percentage increase among the provinces, and more than 10 times the national average.

The majority of the increase was from petroleum products, but there were also significant increases in agriculture, mining and in particular, potash products. The value of exports in Saskatchewan for August totalled $3.2 billion.

"Our government is mindful of the current conditions in the global economy today," Enterprise and Innovation Minister Lyle Stewart said. "However, Saskatchewan has a thriving export industry with a wide-range of products that are still in demand."

In the first eight months of 2008, international exports in the province are up by 54.3 per cent to $20.5 billion when compared to the first eight months of 2007. Saskatchewan had the highest growth rate in the nation. Nationally, exports increased by 4.9 per cent over the same period.

"The 104 per cent increase recorded in the report today was the highest ever recorded since we began tracking this statistic in January 2001," Stewart said. "It speaks volumes about the strong export market in the province, and about the businesses that are contributing to our economic success."

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For more information, contact:

Deb Young
Enterprise and Innovation
Regina
Phone: 306-798-0503
Email: Deb.Young@gov.sk.ca