Non-energy sectors are already increasing exports, and energy will rebound in 2016

OTTAWA, Nov. 3, 2015 /CNW Telbec/ - Canadian businesses can expect to see a seven-per-cent increase in the value of their exports in 2016 following a slight one-per-cent decline this year that has been mostly caused by sharply lower oil prices, according to a new global export forecast released by Export Development Canada (EDC).

The Global Export Forecast Fall 2015 notes that much of this increase will be driven by strong growth in the United States, which is Canada's largest export customer, but also by improving prospects in Europe and continuing growth in China.

"The U.S. economy is being led by increased consumer spending and a rising housing market that can sustain higher growth for at least the next two years," said Peter Hall, Chief Economist at EDC. "On top of this, U.S. companies now have very tight capacity constraints, which is really good news for Canadian businesses, many of which enjoy a significant price advantage when selling to the U.S. due to the lower Canadian dollar."

EDC forecasts that global growth will be 3.0 per cent this year and 3.6 per cent in 2016, but acknowledges that this growth is accompanied by considerable volatility in such things as equity and currency markets, as well as in commodity prices, where the price of oil is expected to remain below $60 a barrel through 2016.

"Even with this volatility, many non-energy sectors in Canada are already seeing significant growth in the value of their exports this year, with continued growth expected in 2016," said Hall. "That shows why it's important to not be frightened by volatility and to separate good risk from bad risk, so Canadian businesses can benefit from the exporting opportunities that exist."

"Smart companies should consider moves into new markets now while competitors are still sitting on the fence, particularly in the U.S., and ahead of the new competition that will be coming in a few years' time from free-trade agreements with the European Union and Pacific Rim countries," added Hall.

The fertilizers, aerospace, consumer goods, automotive, advanced technology, and industrial machinery and equipment sectors are all seeing double-digit increases in exports, while chemicals and plastics, forestry products, and metals and ores are growing by between four and eight per cent.

Only the energy sector, which makes up about 24 per cent of Canada's exports, is seeing a decline this year as a result of much lower prices for oil. That is forecast to change in 2016, however, with the value of energy exports predicted to rise by 17 per cent due to a mix of increased demand and slightly higher prices. All other sectors are expected to see increases as well.

Lower prices for energy mean that provinces which rely heavily on the sector, such as Alberta and Newfoundland and Labrador, have seen a significant drop in the value of their exports this year. Provinces with more diversified economies, such as Ontario and Quebec, are enjoying export growth of 10 per cent or more. EDC forecasts that all provinces will have increased exports in 2016, led by Alberta at 15 per cent and Newfoundland and Labrador at 11 per cent as energy exports improve.

"Canada is in a unique position among global exporters as it will soon be the only major economy with preferential access across both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, thanks to the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement with the European Union and the Trans-Pacific Partnership," said Hall. "This will make Canada the gateway economy for North America, and Canadian businesses should start preparing now for the opportunities this will create."

Hall also urged Canadian businesses to continue to look to increase exports to China, whose economy is forecast to grow by nearly seven per cent in both 2015 and 2016. While this is slower than the very rapid growth China experienced from 2000 through 2014, it still represents a huge opportunity for Canadian exporters.

"Emerging markets, including China, account for more than 10 per cent of Canadian exports, and more than 20 per cent in provinces such as British Columbia, Saskatchewan and Manitoba," said Hall. "While it can be more difficult to export to such markets than to the United States, Canadian businesses have lots of organizations – including EDC – that can help them do it."

EDC is Canada's leading provider of small business financing and insurance for companies with sales or business outside of Canada. Its services include the Export Guarantee Program to help exporters access more financing, Foreign Exchange Facility Guarantee to help exporters manage foreign exchange risk, and Political Risk Insurance that can cover up to 90 per cent of losses from political risks in foreign markets.

EDC's economics team includes some of Canada's leading trade experts, who share their knowledge freely with Canadian companies, looking to grow their international sales and help them manage the associated market risks.  Its semi-annual Global Economic Forecast addresses the latest global export conditions, by providing perspectives on leading economic trends and export strategies to help Canadian companies of all sizes maximize their export growth. The forecast also analyzes a range of risks for which exporters should be prepared.

About EDC

EDC is Canada's trade finance agency, providing financing and insurance solutions locally and around the world to help Canadian companies of any size respond to international business opportunities. As a profitable Crown corporation that operates on commercial principles, EDC works together with private- and public-sector financial institutions to create greater capacity for Canadian companies to engage in trade and investment.

For more information about how EDC can help your company, visit www.edc.ca.

SOURCE Export Development Canada