Led by strong gains to Asia and Europe, British Columbia’s exports for the first half of 2011 are up by nearly 14 per cent compared with the first six months of 2010.
Solid growth is being recorded in exports of forestry products. At $4.8 billion, they are up by 13 per cent compared to the same period last year. Exports of softwood lumber, at $1.9 billion, are up by nine per cent
For the second month in a row, the value B.C. exports of softwood lumber to China surpassed the value shipped to the United States. In June, $130 million worth of softwood lumber was shipped to China compared with $125 million that was sold to the U.S.
Also growing are exports of industrial goods and energy products, along with gains in agricultural and fishing products, machinery, equipment and automotive products.
Figures released by Statistics Canada show that B.C.’s international merchandise exports from January to June were worth $15.9 billion, compared with $14 billion last year.
British Columbia’s domestic-exports to Asia over the first half of 2011 are worth $6.9 billion, surpassing the $6.8 worth of goods shipped to the United States.
“2011 has been an encouraging year for B.C. exports. Every day our province is exporting $88 million worth of goods worldwide, a daily increase of more than $10 million compared with last year,” said Minister of Jobs Tourism and Innovation Pat Bell. “We’re achieving this growth directly to our ability to diversify B.C.’s export markets. Given the recent economic troubles in the U.S., it is imperative we continue this successful export market development strategy and builds on B.C.’s successes in Asia.”
