Import/Export Information

Overview of Import/Export Activity in Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan exports approximately 70% of all goods and services it produces. In the southeast region this figure is slightly higher at 76%. Exports are a primary source of new wealth creation, whether the product or service brings money in from outside the region, the province or the country. Exports also generate over 70 per cent of the provincial Gross Domestic Product.

Effective North American and international trade must include a strategy based on an understanding of market potential, and recognition of local strengths and weaknesses and external opportunities and threats and use these tools to develop a market.

Businesses in the southeast region take this approach to development, business attraction and investment to foster linkages and relationships with firms, markets, and partners outside the region and abroad.

Saskatchewan Trade and Export Partnership (STEP) is an excellent resource for companies seeking to pursue import/export activities. Operating as a government/industry partnership, STEP promotes the province’s export industry and assists businesses in realizing global marketing opportunities while finding custom solutions for Saskatchewan exporters. Its services include trade development, market intelligence, international finance and logistics, and international development projects.

Regional Overview of Import/Export Activity in Southeast Saskatchewan

  • According to Saskatchewan Trade and Export Partnership (STEP), the main exports of the southeast region consist of agriculture machinery, livestock and pulse crops.

  • Though markets for all of these products are global, presently well over 60% is still exported to North American markets. Agricultural products, in particular, are often exported un-processed, only to return to the Canadian market as a processed good.

  • STEP indicates that there is also substancial export activity in:

  • building manufacturing;

  • consumer goods manufacturing;

  • energy;

  • food and beverage sectors;

  • manufacturing;

  • minerals;

  • mining related manufacturing;

  • oil and gas related manufacturing;

  • oilseeds;

  • organics foods;

  • professional services; and

  • technology.

Support Services for Trade and Investment

The following federal and provincial organizations and departments provide key linkages and support on trade and investment:

  • Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) is a financial institution wholly owned by the government of Canada. BDC plays a leadership role in delivering financial, investment and consulting services to Canadian small businesses, with a particular focus on the technology and export sectors of the economy.

  • Canada Business - Export Import and Foreign Investment provides resources and links to information on conducting business and trade abroad.

  • Community Investment Support Program (CISP) was launched in 1998 to help Canadian communities attract, retain and expand foreign direct investment. CISP supports non-profit and public-private partnerships at the local community level.

  • Export Development Canada (EDC) is a Crown Corporation that provides financing and risk management services to Canadian exporters and investors in up to 200 markets worldwide.

  • ExportSource is an online guide for Canadian Companies exporting for the first time and established exporters. The site contains a number of sources of information including getting started, developing your export plan, identifying your market and regional export information.

  • Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada provides links to exporting services for business and recent news and information on Canada’s role in the world as well as global issues.

  • Industry Canada provides services to Canadian businesses and consumers. The site covers a number of subjects including company directories, economic analysis and statistics, and consumer information. It also has links to other government services.

  • InfoExport is the main website of the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada (DFAIT) Trade Commissioner Service. The site has information on services for both Canadian Companies and Non-Canadian Companies. Highlights of the services for Canadian Companies include links to Market Reports, DFAIT offices in Canada and DFAIT offices abroad. It is also the login and sign up location for the Virtual Trade Commissioner Service.

  • Invest in Canada has wealth of information, sources and comparative data to help foreign businesses expand their business operations in Canada. Highlights of site include pages on Reasons to Invest and Expand Business and Industry Sectors.

  • Saskatchewan Trade and Export Partnership (STEP) is a unique public-private partnership led by industry and established as a non-profit corporation in 1996 by the Province of Saskatchewan. STEP works in partnership with Saskatchewan businesses to maximize commercial success in global ventures. STEP's team of professionals delivers custom export solutions and market intelligence to member companies across the Province. Link to the STEP membership Directory.

  • Trade Team Saskatchewan is a partnership of key Saskatchewan public and private sector organizations offering international business services to active and potential exporters to help them achieve success in global markets. There are six key areas of focus: general information, skills development, exporter counselling, and market entry support, trade financing and in-market assistance.

Back to Top