British Columbia's strong run of export growth continued in September with nearly $3.2 billion worth of goods sent to international destinations during the month, an increase of 32 per cent compared with the value exported during September 2010.

September's export numbers have helped boost B.C.'s 2011 year-to-date figures. Over the first three-quarters of the year, B.C.'s exports have closed in on the $25-billion mark, up by 16 per cent compared with what was shipped between January and September 2010.

The latest export numbers, released in this week's Statistics Canada International Merchandise Trade report, were particularly good news to those involved in B.C.'s natural resource sectors.

Exports of energy products for the month surpassed the billion-dollar mark, forestry sales exceeded $810 million, while international shipments of industrial goods were worth more than $670 million.

B.C.'s exports to Asia were again strong in September. Japan led the way with $528 million worth of goods shipped to the country, a 66-per-cent gain compared with September 2010, with $184 million worth of copper ores and $199 million in coal spurring this growth. Year-to-date exports to Japan are recorded at $3.6 billion, up by 18 per cent.

Exports to China for the month were worth $520 million, up 48 per cent compared with September 2010. Year-to-date exports hit $3.6 billion, up by 47 per cent compared with the first nine months of 2010. Softwood lumber exports were worth $107 million, bringing year-to-date sales to $853 million, a 107-per-cent increase compared with the same period in 2010.

B.C. also recorded monthly gains in sales to South Korea and India, but lost ground to Taiwan.

September's exports to the United States were worth nearly $1.3 billion, a 24-per-cent gain compared September 2010, and are up by three per cent for the year.

Nationally, Canadian exports for September were worth $31.1 billion, a 19-per-cent gain compared with September 2010. Year-to-date, Canada's exports total $308 billion, a 12-per-cent growth rate over the pace set in 2010.

Premier Christy Clark is leading the largest trade mission in the province's history to China and India to promote B.C. as a safe harbour for investment. The BC Jobs and Trade Mission is focused on strengthening existing relationships between B.C. and Asian markets, opening doors for new relationships and setting the stage for future opportunities in China and India.

Delegates from more than 130 companies and organizations are accompanying the Premier as part of the effort to defend and create jobs here at home. She's also been accompanied by Ministers Pat Bell, Steve Thompson and Mike de Jong.

• $3.151 billion: Value of B.C.- origin exports in September 2011
• $2.393 billion: Value of B.C.- origin exports in September 2010
• $24.643 billion: Value of B.C.- origin exports from January to September 2011
• $21.252 billion: Value of B.C.- origin exports from January to September 2010

Value of B.C.- origin exports, by category
(Sept. 2011 compared with Sept. 2010)

• Agricultural and fishing products: $252 million, down by 2 per cent
• Energy products: $1.024 billion, up by 49 per cent
• Forestry sales: $812 million, up by 17 per cent
• Industrial goods: $672 million, up by 69 per cent
• Machinery and equipment: $296 million, up by 10 per cent
• Automotive products: $27 million, up by 38 per cent
• Consumer goods: $49 million, up by three per cent
• Special transactions trade: $21 million, up by eight per cent

Value of B.C.- origin exports, by category
(Jan. to Sept 2011 compared with Jan. to Sept 2010)

• Agricultural and fishing products - $1.8 billion, up by one per cent
• Energy products - $7.4 billion, up by 26 per cent
• Forestry sales - $7.1 billion, up by 12 per cent
• Industrial goods - $5.1 billion, up by 23 per cent
• Machinery and equipment - $2.4 billion, up by eight per cent
• Automotive products - $201 million, up by three percent
• Consumer goods - $407 million, down by three per cent
• Special transactions trade - $189 million, down by one per cent

Value of B.C.-origins exports to select jurisdictions
(Sept. 2011 compared with Sept. 2010):

• United States: $1.273 billion, up by 24 per cent
• Japan: $528 million, up by 66 per cent
• China (including Hong Kong): $520 million, up by 48 per cent
• South Korea: $233 million, up by three per cent
• Taiwan: $31 million, down 46 per cent
• India: $6 million, up by 68 per cent
• European Union: $234 million, up by 24 per cent
• Mexico: $20 million, up 56 per cent
• South America: $117 million, up 259 per cent

Value of B.C.-origins exports to select jurisdictions
(Year-to-Date: Jan. to Sept. 2011 compared with Jan. to Sept. 2010)

• United States: $10.4 billion, up three per cent
• Japan: $3.6 billion, up 18 per cent
• China (including Hong Kong): $3.9 billion, up 47 per cent
• South Korea: $2 billion, up 43 per cent
• Taiwan: $562 million, up 45 per cent
• India: $91 million, down 17 per cent
• European Union: $1.9 billion, up by 26 per cent
• Mexico: $120 million, down 17 per cent
• South America: $737 million, up 54 per cent

Learn More:

• Statistics Canada: International Merchandise Trade, Sept. 2011
  http://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/65-001-x/65-001-x2011009-eng.pdf
• Statistics Canada: International Merchandise Trade Database
  http://cansim2.statcan.gc.ca/cgi-win/CNSMCGI.PGM?Lang=E&CIMT_Action=Sections&ResultTemplate=CII_CIMT5
• BC Stats: Monthly Export Data Table
  http://www.bcstats.gov.bc.ca/pubs/exp/expdata.pdf
• Canada Starts Here: The BC Jobs Plan
  http://www.BCJobsPlan.ca
  

Contact:

Ben James
Public Affairs Officer
Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation
250 356-8177