Food processing, tire manufacturing, pulp, paper and wood products provide a solid manufacturing base to the provincial economy. However, some of Nova Scotia’s fastest-growing manufactured exports are machinery, plastics, specialized electronics, pharmaceuticals and consumer goods. There are 700 active manufacturing operations in the province.

In 2006, the manufacturing sector produced over $2.6 Billion in chained GDP – the largest output of any industrial sector in Nova Scotia. Manufacturing employment was close to 40,000, with 40% in durable manufacturing and 60% in non-durables. Total wages and salaries were $1.5 Billion, accounting for 10% of the province’s total wages and salaries.

Manufacturing drives demand for other goods and services more than any other sector of the Nova Scotia economy. Every dollar of manufacturing output in the province generates $3.4 Billion in total economic activity, an economic spinoff significantly higher than the national average of $3.05 Billion.

Nova Scotia’s manufacturing sector has consistently generated more than 60% of the province’s total international exports. Manufacturing shipments exceed $9 Billion. The United States is the destination for about 70% of international manufacturing exports, or nearly half of Nova Scotia’s overall international exports.

Many sub-segments of the manufacturing sector in Nova Scotia have adopted advanced manufacturing technologies to boost productivity and product quality while reducing costs. Manufacturing design, e-manufacturing, forming and assembly, metal cutting and high-speed machining are common applications. Industries with the highest adoption rates of advanced manufacturing technologies are food processing, aerospace, textiles, building products, metal fabrication, shipbuilding, tire manufacturing, pulp and paper and pharmaceuticals.

Trade Team Nova Scotia Representative: Nova Scotia Business Inc.

Industry Association: Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters (CME)

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