Domestic exports from British Columbia are up, according to a recent Statistics Canada trade report.
Exports totalled nearly $2.4 billion in February, up by $328 million (15.8%) compared with the same month last year. The increase builds on 2010’s strong momentum, the report states.
Growth in exports of energy products, up by $692.0 million (25%), helped lead the way for British Columbia.
Gains were also recorded in exports of industrial goods, up $524.8 million (20%) since February 2010.
Machinery and equipment exports saw a $244.8 million increase (19%) from last February
Forestry products experienced a year-over-year gain of $709.3 million, up by 11%.
Consumer goods recorded a minimal gain of 2% (worth $40.7 million) over February of last year.
British Columbia recorded year-over-year growth in most of its top export markets. Exports to the U.S. climbed by more than 4%, while year-over-year exports to Japan – B.C.’s second largest export market – were up by 63%. Gains were also recorded in markets in China, Taiwan, South Korea, the UK and Germany.
Pat Bell, minister of jobs, tourism and innovation said, “Exports to most of our major trading partners are up, but it’s the growth [in] Asia that is most impressive, fuelled by strong demand for our energy and forestry products. This demonstrates the importance of establishing diverse export markets.”