HIGHEST MERCHANDISE EXPORTS IN SASKATCHEWAN HISTORY

The province’s merchandise exports set an all-time high in 2012, totalling $31.4 billion, according to Statistics Canada.  This was a 6.4 per cent jump compared to 2011 and above the national average of 1.9 per cent. This level of growth landed Saskatchewan second among the provinces and well ahead of Alberta and British Columbia, which ranked fourth and seventh respectively.

“To be heading into a new year with this strength in numbers shows there is plenty of momentum and confidence in our export industry and our economy,” Minister responsible for Trade Tim McMillan said.  “Our government views trade as fundamental to the continued growth and prosperity of this province.”

Commodities that saw the most significant gains in 2012 were metal and non-metallic mineral products, up 44.5 per cent; forestry products and building and packaging material, up 37.4 per cent; and electronic and electrical equipment and parts, up 31.7 per cent.

“Exporters are not only shipping their goods around the globe, they are creating jobs and contributing to our economic growth,” McMillan said. “Saskatchewan has what the world needs and a record year in exports is proof of this.”

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For more information, contact:

Linda Ungar
Economy
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4765
Email: linda.ungar@gov.sk.ca