Merchandise export figures released by Statistics Canada today show Saskatchewan had an increase of 13.4 per cent in the first eight months of 2012 compared with the same period in 2011.

That was the second highest growth rate in the nation over the period.

In the first eight months of 2012 exports were up over last year in key areas including Agriculture, Energy, and Machinery.

Exports totalled $20.95 billion during this period.

On an annual basis, exports were up 3.4 per cent August over August, the third best percentage increase among the provinces.