Canadian international merchandise trade

Canada's merchandise exports increased 2.3% to just under $29.3 billion in June, halting three consecutive monthly declines, while imports fell 1.3% to just over $29.3 billion. As a result, Canada's trade deficit with the world narrowed to $55 million from $1.1 billion in May.

The increase in exports was attributable to a substantial rise in exports of energy products. If they were excluded, total exports would have declined 0.5%.

Imports, which have been on a downward trend since October 2008, fell for the fourth consecutive month. Declines in three sectors (machinery and equipment, industrial goods and materials, and other consumer goods) more than offset increases in the remaining sectors: energy products, agricultural and fishing products, automotive products and forestry products.

Export prices were up 2.2%, as the prices rose for energy products and industrial goods and materials. Import prices fell 0.8%, as all import sectors except for energy products declined. Export volumes were up 0.2%, while import volumes declined 0.5%.

Exports to the United States climbed 5.1%, largely the result of higher exports of crude petroleum, while imports fell 1.8%. This widened Canada's trade surplus with the United States to $3.1 billion from $1.7 billion in May.

Canada's trade deficit with countries other than the United States grew to $3.1 billion from $2.8 billion in May, as exports fell 4.5% and imports edged down 0.3%.

Gain in exports attributed to energy products

The contributors to the gain in exports in June were energy products, followed by industrial goods and materials. These increases were partially offset by lower exports of machinery and equipment and automotive products.

Exports of energy products rose 14.0% to $6.4 billion in June. The increase was the result of a 5.1% increase in prices and an 8.4% rise in volumes.

Exports of crude petroleum rose 22.3%, reflecting increased demand from the United States. Crude petroleum accounted for 87% of the gain in energy products. On the other hand, natural gas exports declined 1.2%, continuing a downward trend that started in August 2008.

Higher exports of gold were behind the growth in the industrial goods and materials sector, which increased 6.1% to $6.3 billion. Declines in exports of metal ores, in particular nickel and iron ores, moderated the increase in this sector. The gain in the industrial goods and materials sector was mainly the result of a 4.4% increase in prices.

Exports of machinery and equipment decreased 4.1% to $6.4 billion, the lowest level since January 1998. This was mainly the result of declines in exports of telecommunication equipment and office electronic equipment.

Exports of automotive products fell 5.6% to $2.9 billion. This represents about one-third of the peak value registered in January 2000. Exports of trucks and motor vehicle parts declined 35.3% and 9.7% respectively, as demand continued to fall. On the other hand, exports of passenger autos increased 3.2%.

Declines in three of seven import sectors

Imports of machinery and equipment fell 6.0% to $8.5 billion as a result of widespread declines. Aircraft, engines and parts, as well as engines, turbines and motors were among the contributors to the decrease. The sector has been on a downward trend since November 2008.

Imports of industrial goods and materials decreased 4.3% to $5.8 billion. Lower imports of chemical products were the main contributors to the decline. In contrast, precious metals, namely gold, grew 8.6%. The industrial goods and materials sector has generally been on a downward trend since October 2008.

Imports of other consumer goods were down 1.6% to $4.7 billion, mainly the result of declining imports of footwear, apparel and house furnishing.

Higher imports of energy products, as well as agricultural and fishing products, mitigated the decline in overall imports. Imports of energy products grew 14.7% to $2.7 billion on the strength of crude petroleum. The increase in energy products was due to volumes rising 11.2% and prices increasing 3.2%. Imports of agricultural and fishing products were up 4.6%, led by higher imports of wine and beer.

Available on CANSIM: tables 228-0001 to 228-0003, 228-0033, 228-0034, 228-0041 to 228-0043 and 228-0047 to 228-0057.

Definitions, data sources and methods: survey numbers, including related surveys, 2201, 2202 and 2203.

The June 2009 issue of Canadian International Merchandise Trade, Vol. 63, no. 6 (65-001-X, free), is now available from the Publications module of our website.

Current account data (which incorporate merchandise trade statistics, service transactions, investment income and transfers) are available quarterly in Canada's Balance of International Payments (67-001-X, free).

For more information, contact Sharon Nevins (toll-free 1-800-294-5583; 613-951-9798). To enquire about the concepts, methods or data quality of this release, contact Mychèle Gagnon (613-951-0994), International Trade Division.