Released on March 7, 2016
Shipments Nearly Doubled in a DecadeSaskatchewan recorded its second largest exports ever in 2015 with $32.6 billion in goods shipped to countries around the world, according to initial data from Industry Canada.
While total exports were down eight per cent from 2014, due mainly to lower oil shipments to the United States, strength in other sectors nearly offset that decline.
“Our agriculture industry led the way last year with record sales of $15.1 billion while exports from our mineral industry increased by 33 per cent to $6.7 billion,” Premier Brad Wall said. “These results demonstrate the strength and resiliency of our economy and highlight the ability of our exporters to compete and succeed around the world.”
During the last decade, the value of Saskatchewan exports has nearly doubled from $16.4 billion.
In 2015, exports to the U.S. were down 22 per cent over the previous year, but shipments to China and India were up by 18 and 60 per cent respectively. In total, Saskatchewan exported goods to more than 150 countries in 2015.
“Our effort to support exporters as they develop new markets in the fastest growing countries is paying off,” Wall said. “We expect shipments to the Asia Pacific region will continue to grow. And a recent survey found that 74 per cent of Saskatchewan Trade and Export Partnership (STEP) members are forecasting an increase in exports in 2016. That’s reason for optimism at a time of economic uncertainty.”
Wall noted that this year marks the 20th year of operations for STEP, which has seen exports grow by more than 350 per cent since 1996.
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For more information, contact:
Kathy Young
Executive Council
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0425
Email: kathy.young@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-526-8927