Saskatchewan's exports had a strong first quarter.
The province exported more than $7.4 billion, up 4.2 per cent (seasonally adjusted) compared to the same period last year.
That is the fourth-highest increase among the provinces.
Nationally, exports declined by 1.0 per cent.
“These positive export numbers from the first three months of the year show that Saskatchewan has what the world needs, and our province is well positioned for a strong economic recovery from the impacts of COVID-19,” Trade and Export Development Minister Jeremy Harrison said in a press release. “Due to the economic impacts of the ongoing global pandemic, we know there will likely be a drop in international exports in the second quarter and into the second half of 2020, but these numbers are very encouraging and we remain optimistic about the opportunities for Saskatchewan in the future.”
Exports to China and Brazil declined, but exports increased to Japan, the European Union, India, Mexico, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates.
Exports that increased in the first quarter included crude oil, canola seed, pulses, canola oil and meal, agricultural machinery, oats, and soya beans.
On a month-over-month basis, Saskatchewan exports increased 30.5 per cent between March 2020 and April 2020. That represents the highest rate of growth in the country.
