JUNE’S MANUFACTURING SHIPMENTS VALUE 10 TIMES NATIONAL AVERAGE

Saskatchewan's manufacturing industry continues to place the province among the nation's economic leaders, according to the newest figures from Statistics Canada.

In June 2008, the value of manufacturing shipments (seasonally unadjusted) in Saskatchewan increased by 27.9 per cent to $1.1 billion, up from $882 million in June 2007-the second-highest growth rate among the provinces, the highest among the four western provinces, and more than 10 times the national average of 2.6 per cent.

"The performance of Saskatchewan's manufacturing industry continues to help set the pace, both nationally and in Western Canada," Enterprise and Innovation Minister Lyle Stewart said. "We are a province of exporters, and the sustained growth being generated by our innovative manufacturers is one of our strongest assets for continued prosperity."

June's increase in value of Saskatchewan manufacturing shipments (seasonally adjusted) from May 2008 was 6.5 per cent to $1.1 billion, compared to $1.05 billion. Again, this was the second-highest percentage increase among the provinces.

Saskatchewan's export activity as a whole is also putting up remarkable numbers. In the first six months of 2008, Saskatchewan's international exports of goods increased by 43.5 per cent, to $14.4 billion, compared to the first six months of 2007 (seasonally unadjusted). This was by far the highest growth rate among the provinces, followed by Alberta with 29.8 per cent, and with a national rate of just 1.4 per cent.

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For more information, contact:

Jamie Shanks
Enterprise & Innovation
Regina
Phone: 787-1691
Email: jamie.shanks@gov.sk.ca