Saskatchewan exports surge

Thanks to strong demand for quality Saskatchewan-made products, the province's export sales have hit record levels. Recently revised data from Statistics Canada indicate that provincial exporters sold more than $32.6 billion worth of products in 2012, a 10.3 per cent increase from the year before.

This moves Saskatchewan past British Columbia into fourth place among the provinces when it comes to exports. Saskatchewan exports have more than tripled in the last decade. The province is Canada's largest exporter on a per capita basis.

"This is remarkable," Premier Brad Wall said. "Saskatchewan is selling more goods and services than ever before. This is good news for our economy and a tribute to the businesses and workers who are building the Saskatchewan Advantage every day.

With investment flowing into our province, Saskatchewan is well positioned to boost exports even more by expanding into new markets while maintaining the business of existing customers."

While growth in traditional markets has been strong, Wall noted shipments to emerging economies has been particularly robust over the last decade, indicating the importance of the government's international engagement efforts.

Rapidly growing export markets from 2008 to 2012 include:

China - $1.2 billion to $2.5 billion

Indonesia - $601 million to $786 million

Mexico - $507 million to $734 million

Brazil - $396 million to $639 million

Bangladesh - $114 million to $279 million

Oil and minerals, fertilizers, and oil seeds and other products were the top commodities exported between 2003 and 2012.

"Beyond the export sales statistics for British Columbia and the fact that we not only exceeded their provincial efforts, it is important to note that their jurisdiction is both more heavily populated and has the enviable position of port access," STEP President and CEO Lionel LaBelle said.

"The strong results coming out of Saskatchewan speak to the proven success of provincial exporters and their continued ability to provide the world with products that are in demand."