ALL-TIME RECORD SET FOR EXPORT GROWTH IN SASKATCHEWAN

Saskatchewan's international export values increased 118.8 per cent (seasonally unadjusted) from September 2007 to September 2008. This was the highest percentage increase recorded since tracking of this statistic began in 2001. The total value of export sales for September 2008 totalled $3.2 billion.

This year-over-year increase was the highest increase among the provinces and over six times the national average of 17.8 per cent for the same period.

"The increased demand for Saskatchewan products, particularly in our resource sector are a significant factor in these record-setting export statistics," Enterprise and Innovation Minister Lyle Stewart said. "Our oil and gas, mining, and potash exports were up almost 200 per cent over last year to approximately $2.2 billion, making up the bulk of the increase and of the total figures."

For the first nine months of 2008, international exports increased 63.3 per cent when compared to the same period in 2007. The increase was the highest in Canada - nearly 10 times the 6.7 per cent average recorded on a national basis.

"Exports are the major contributor to Saskatchewan's economic success, and we have the right mix of goods and resources that are the envy of many jurisdictions," Stewart said.

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For more information, contact:

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