Statistics Canada released year-end export figures for 2013 today. International exports of British Columbia goods totalled $33.6 billion, an increase of 6.9 per cent compared to 2012. Exports from Canada as a whole increased 3.5 per cent in 2013 compared to 2012.

B.C. recorded sizable increases in the value of goods shipments to China and India, two key markets as the province continues to diversify markets for its products.

Exports to China,* which remains British Columbia's second-largest trading partner after the United States, increased to $6.8 billion, up by 13.6 per cent compared to 2012. Exports to India were worth $466.6 million in 2013, up by 45.1 per cent versus the year before.

Combined exports to the four countries identified as priority markets in 'Canada Starts Here: The BC Jobs Plan' - China, India, Japan and Korea - rose 6.6 per cent year over year for a total of $13.1 billion. Gains in the value of exports to India and China offset decreases to Japan (down 1.7 per cent in 2013 compared to 2012) and to Korea (down 3.9 per cent). Diversifying and expanding markets for B.C. goods, especially in Asia, and making strategic investments in the infrastructure that will help get those B.C. products to market are pillars of that jobs plan.

Continued construction gains in the United States were largely responsible for a 12.3 per cent increase in exports across the border, with the value of wood products exports up 24 per cent compared to 2012. B.C. exports to the U.S. totalled $15.8 billion in 2013.

The value of B.C. wood products exports to all markets also increased significantly in 2013: Wood products exports were worth $7.6 billion last year, an increase of 25.8 per cent compared to 2012. B.C. exports of wood products to China were up 34.9 per cent.

Mineral products accounted for approximately one-third of British Columbia's exports worldwide in 2013. The year-end total was $11 billion to all markets, with a 49.7 per cent increase in the value of mineral product shipments to India.

The Ministry of International Trade supports export-ready B.C. companies with strategic advice and on-the-ground connections. Thousands of British Columbia companies are now part of the B.C. Business Network, a dynamic database that brings together exporters, partners and potential customers to develop international business opportunities.

British Columbia has also expanded its network of international trade and investment offices to connect B.C. businesses with new markets and trade opportunities and to promote the province as a stable and attractive destination for investment, tourists and international students.

• Note: All export statistics to China include Hong Kong.

Learn More:

See the full Statistics Canada release for December of 2013 by clicking here: http://www.statcan.gc.ca/daily-quotidien/140206/dq140206a-eng.htm

The BC Stats monthly exports report can be found here: http://www.bcstats.gov.bc.ca/StatisticsBySubject/ExportsImports/Data.aspx

To find out more about services available for export-ready companies and British Columbia's international trade and investment network, visit: http://www.britishcolumbia.ca

Media Contact:

Media Relations
Ministry of International Trade
778 977-0298