Record Saskatchewan Agricultural Exports in 2020

Released on February 9, 2021

2020 was a record year for agricultural exports in Saskatchewan, helping the province lead the nation in growth of overall export sales over the previous year.

Saskatchewan produced $16.9 billion in agricultural exports last year, a 31 per cent increase from 2019 and a new high for the province.  This represents more than 55 per cent of total provincial exports in 2020, which were valued at $30.4 billion.  This helps bring the province closer to meeting its Growth Plan goals, which include growing agri-food exports to $20 billion and increasing agriculture value-added revenue to $10 billion by 2030.  These strong export numbers also reinforce Saskatchewan’s global reputation as a dependable source of safe, high-quality resources, goods and products.

Overall merchandise export sales in 2020 were more than $30 billion, up 2.5 per cent over 2019, the highest percentage increase among the provinces.  On a national basis, exports were down 12.2 per cent over the same period.

Leading agriculture exports in 2020 continue to be canola seed, non-durum wheat, lentils, canola oil and durum wheat. 

“The global COVID-19 pandemic has hit all economies hard worldwide, but these export numbers are strong signs our province is in a positive position for economic recovery in 2021,” Trade and Export Development Minister Jeremy Harrison said.  “With our world-class and growing export base, we have what the world wants and needs, and it will continue to drive investment and jobs for communities right across Saskatchewan.”

In 2020, major increases in exports were seen in farm and intermediate food products; forestry products and building and packaging materials; and industrial machinery, equipment, and parts.  Saskatchewan’s top international markets for 2020 include the United States, China, Japan and India.

Saskatchewan agri-food export destinations are diverse in nature.  Top markets for Saskatchewan agri-food exports in 2020 were the United States, China, Japan, India and Mexico.

“Saskatchewan producers grow safe, high-quality food that the world needs and our agriculture exporters remain committed to providing the world with these products,” Agriculture Minister David Marit said.  “I want to commend our producers on their hard work and resilience, which led to a new record in agri-food exports for 2020.”

Increases in primary production as well as a growing value-added sector have contributed to the record agri-food export growth in Saskatchewan. In 2020, value-added exports were $3.2 billion.  Canola oil, canola meal and processed oats were our top value-added products. 

Currently, the Government of Saskatchewan is working to open three new trade offices in Singapore, Japan and India in 2021 to support increased export diversification.  The new offices will complement the existing trade office in China, and continued access to Asian markets will benefit our key economic sectors.

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