Domestic exports from British Columbia totalled nearly $2.4 billion in February, up by $328 million or 15.8 per cent compared with the same month last year, building on 2010's strong momentum and helping to create jobs and boost economic growth.

Growth in exports of energy products, up by 25 per cent, helped lead the way for British Columbia. Gains were also recorded in exports of industrial goods, machinery and equipment, forestry products and consumer goods for the month, compared with February 2010.

British Columbia recorded year-over-year growth to most of its top export markets. Exports to the United States climbed by more than four per cent, while year-over-year exports to Japan - B.C.'s second largest export market - were up by 63 per cent. Impressive gains were also recorded to China, Taiwan, South Korea, the United Kingdom and Germany.

Strong export growth helps support new jobs in B.C. For example, in February, four First Nations communities near Williams Lake reopened the River West Forest Products mill in Hanceville, creating an estimated 30 jobs. All the production from this mill is destined for China.

Across Canada, domestic exports totalled $30.4 billion for the month, a 6.2 per cent increase compared with February 2010.

So far in 2011, British Columbia's domestic exports were worth $4.8 billion, an increase of $723 million or nearly 18 per cent compared with January to February in 2010.

The export numbers were released by Statistics Canada as part on its monthly Canadian International Merchandise Trade report.

Quote:

Pat Bell, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation -

* "We're building on the momentum from last year, boosting our economy and creating jobs that support B.C. families. Exports to most of our major trading partners are up, but it's the growth to Asia that is most impressive, fuelled by strong demand for our energy and forestry products. This demonstrates the importance of establishing diverse export markets. It is also encouraging to see B.C. record growth above the Canadian average."

Learn More:

* Statistics Canada, Canadian International Merchandise Trade, February 2011: http://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/65-001-x/65-001-x2011002-eng.pdf

* BC Stats - British Columbia-origin export data tables: http://www.bcstats.gov.bc.ca/pubs/exp/expdata.pdf

A backgrounder follows.

Contact:

Ben James

Communications Officer

250 356-8177

Connect with the Province of B.C. at: www.gov.bc.ca/connect

BACKGROUNDER

For Immediate Release

2011JTI0054-000374

April 12, 2011 Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation

B.C. exports climb 16 per cent

British Columbia domestic exports by industry during February 2011

* Energy products - $692.0 million, up by 25 per cent compared with February 2010.

* Forestry products - $709.3 million, up by 11 per cent compared with February 2010.

* Industrial goods - $524.8 million, up by 20 per cent compared with February 2010.

* Agricultural and fishing products - $147.4 million, down by four per cent compared with February 2010.

* Machinery and equipment - $244.8 million, up by 19 per cent compared with February 2010.

* Automotive products - $21.4 million, down by five per cent compared with February 2010.

* Consumer goods - $40.7 million, up by two per cent compared with February 2010.

* Special transactions trade - $17.7 million, down by two per cent compared with February 2010.

British Columbia domestic exports to select countries during February 2011

* United States - $1.05 billion, up by four per cent compared with February 2010.

* Japan - $393 million, up by 63 per cent compared with February 2010.

* China - $359 million, up by 42 per cent per cent compared with February 2010.

* South Korea - $161 million, up by eight per cent compared with February 2010.

* Taiwan - $66 million, up by 146 per cent compared with February 2010.

* India - $6 million, down by 36 per cent compared with February 2010.

* Italy - $44 million, down by 22 per cent compared with February 2010.

* Germany - $23 million, up by 28 per cent compared with February 2010.

* United Kingdom - $37 million, up by 67 per cent compared with February 2010.

* Mexico - $5 million, down by 78 per cent compared with February 2010.

* Hong Kong - $19 million, down by 10 per cent compared with February 2010.

Contact:

Ben James

Communications Officer

250 356-8177

Connect with the Province of B.C. at: www.gov.bc.ca/connect