Released on July 3, 2013
Saskatchewan’s merchandise export trade continues to increase according to figures released by Statistics Canada today. In May, merchandise exports totaled $3.07 billion, up by 8.1 per cent from last May, the third highest percentage increase among the provinces, and the highest ever for the month.
During the first five months of 2013, exports were $14.97 billion, the highest ever for that period. This was an increase of 6.8 per cent over the first five months of last year, and the second highest increase in the nation.
“Trade fuels much of the economic growth we’re experiencing in the province,” said Advanced Education Minister Don Morgan on behalf of Trade Minister Tim McMillan. “Saskatchewan’s a rising star in the Canadian export market at the moment, and is in the perfect spot to meet the demands of food, energy and other products in the global marketplace.”
On a year-to-date basis, the largest increases in the first five months of 2013 were posted in consumer goods, which amounted to $1.07 billion, up 97.6 per cent over the same period in 2012; farm, fishing and food products totaled $4.28 billion. There were also significant increases in metal ores and non-metallic minerals, metal and non-metallic mineral products, forestry products and industrial machinery.
“Exports leaving Saskatchewan now top British Columbia, and the credit goes to the companies and people working in trade-related businesses,” Morgan said. “The impressive numbers we’re seeing so far this year leads us to predict that 2013 will be another strong year for Saskatchewan companies and the people they employ.”
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For more information, contact:
Deb Young
Economy
Regina
Phone: (306) 787-6315
Email: deb.young@gov.sk.ca