Alberta products and services

International trade

Alberta exported a total of $69 billion worth of goods in 2009, a decrease of 37% from the previous year. While this represents a major fall in the value of exports, it was mainly due to a temporary and severe fall in commodity prices. In fact, the overall quantity of exports remained quite resilient. For instance, the quantity of crude oil exported actually increased 1.3%, while its prices fell 36.5%. There was only a 10% drop in the quantity of natural gas exported, while prices fell almost 50%. 

The Alberta economy is well-positioned to capitalize on the recent signs of recovery in the world economy. While 2009 saw dramatic swings in trade volumes, the most encouraging factor was that the year ended with a general upswing in export values as December 2009 recorded the highest level of monthly exports for the entire year. Moving into 2010, commodity prices are entering a new period of stability that can only benefit the long-term Alberta economy. It may be a while before the exceptionally high export levels of 2008 are recreated – but the levels seen for 2009 would have been record-breaking only 5 years ago.

In 2009, Alberta’s top export industries were mining and energy, manufacturing (particularly chemicals, food and beverages, and machinery) and primary agricultural products.

Alberta goods were imported by 192 countries in 2009. The top five export markets (in order) were the United States, China, Japan, the European Union and Mexico.

Click here to view Alberta Canada’s 2009 Merchandise Exports.

Alberta products & services

Over the years, Alberta’s energy industry has spurred growth in supporting sectors such as transportation & logistics, manufacturing, environmental remediation and engineering. Growth in these industries has been outstanding, leading to the creation of spin-off advanced technology industries and positioning Alberta companies as global competitors.

Today, Alberta’s economy has diversified and Alberta’s expertise and innovation continue to drive the development of groundbreaking advancements in the areas of life sciences, green building technologies, unmanned vehicle systems, nanotechnology and wireless technology.

Find out how your business can benefit from the expertise and innovation of Alberta’s industries:

To locate listings of Alberta companies please refer to the list of Alberta industry and business associations.

To explore trade opportunities with Alberta companies, please contact Alberta International and Intergovernmental Relations.


Date Updated:
RDP-1661