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A key economic sector

In a year marked by a downturn in most wholesale industries, fertilizer exports provided a bright spot for Canadian wholesalers. From 2007 to 2008, fertilizer prices more than doubled as a result of higher production costs (energy, petroleum and natural gas prices) and strong demand for agricultural products and biofuels.

Canada is a leading exporter of fertilizers and fertilizer materials, accounting for 30% of world production. Most (90%) is exported to the United States, China and India, and a large proportion of those exports go through wholesalers.

Wholesalers are key participants in commercial transactions between Canadian businesses and foreign markets. Imports account for 36% of wholesale sales and exports for 12%.