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Agri-Food Statistics Update - Issue No. EXP13-1
Collected from a variety of sources, the Statistics and Data Development Branch monitors statistical indicators of agri-food activity for Alberta. The Agri-Food Statistics Update is designed to provide users with commentary on current issues, trends and new developments related to agriculture and the food and beverage processing industries. Up-to-date statistics are supplemented with informative charts and diagrams. To gauge Alberta’s performance, comparative data and information are often available for Canada and the provinces.
This update presents the latest annual international trade statistics released by Statistics Canada. The information is preliminary and subject to revision.
International trade statistics are compiled by Statistics Canada according to the "General" system of trade defined by the Statistical Office of the United Nations. Under this system, domestic exports include all goods grown, extracted or manufactured in Canada, including goods of foreign origin, which have been materially transformed in Canada. Trade statistics are classified and published according to the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System (Harmonized System or HS). The HS is a product classification system used by almost all countries in reporting export and import statistics.
Export statistics are developed from administrative records of Customs. Customs based export statistics may understate and/or incorrectly portray the destination of exports.
Note to Users: The contents of this document may not be used or reproduced without properly accrediting Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development, Economics and Competitiveness Division, Statistics and Data Development Branch.
2012 Alberta Agri-Food Exports
Agri-food exports refer to exports of primary agricultural commodities (animals and crops) and processed agricultural and food products (value added exports). The latter includes: food, beverages, animal feed and inedible crude animal and plant products.
Key Messages
- In 2012, Alberta agri-food exports rose 14.3 per cent to a record $9.2 billion, from $8.1 billion in 2011.
- Alberta continues to be the third largest exporter of agri-food products in Canada, after Saskatchewan and Ontario.
- Exports of primary commodities continued to play a significant role in Alberta’s strong export performance. Substantial increases in exports were reported for all major grains, oilseeds and pulses. Larger export quantities combined with high commodity prices contributed to the increase.
- Wheat remained Alberta’s number one export product, followed by canola seed. Exports of wheat, worth $2.3 billion, grew in both value and quantity. As well, exports of canola seed rose to a record $1.9 billion in 2012.
- Exports of live cattle recovered from the 2011 low, while beef declined. Also, exports of live hogs and pork were lower than in 2011.
- Value added exports grew four per cent in 2012 and represented 40.0 per cent of Alberta total agri-food exports.
- The United States continues to be the number one export market, followed by China, Japan and Mexico.
For a complete copy of this update, please download the attached pdf file. |
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