Led by a dramatic gain in shipments to China and other key markets, B.C.'s export totals jumped more than 10% in April compared with April 2011.
The province exported $2.7 billion of goods worldwide in April of 2012 compared with $2.4 billion in April of last year. Exports to China, including Hong Kong, rose by more than 20%.
The government said that opening new markets for B.C. products is one of its primary goals. Given its location, strong relationships across the Pacific and the economic uncertainty continuing to grip the U.S. and large swathes of Europe, diversifying markets for B.C. goods is crucial to ensuring long-term job creation.
The BC Jobs Plan identified China, South Korea, Japan and India as key markets with fast-growing economies and new buying power.
Premier Christy Clark completed a trade mission to Japan, Korea and the Philippines in May, aimed at maintaining economic momentum and building on the accomplishments of her 2011 trade mission to China and India.
B.C.'s total exports to those four priority countries show an increase over the same period from last year.
Combined exports to India, China, South Korea and Japan topped $1.1 billion in April, up from $878 million in April of 2011.
Pat Bell, minister of jobs, tourism and innovation, said, "Positive export numbers show the value of market diversification to this province.
"We are now using that blueprint in other key sectors through Canada Starts Here: The BC Jobs Plan, targeting Asian countries where burgeoning middle-classes are driving demand for our products and services.
"This includes doubling our overseas presence in key markets to facilitate trade with these areas."
