The US Census Bureau and the US Bureau of Economic Analysis, through the Department of Commerce, announced Tuesday that total April exports of $187.4 billion and imports of $227.7 billion resulted in a goods and services deficit of $40.3 billion, up 8.5 percent from a more than three-year low of $37.1 billion in March, revised. April exports were $2.2 billion more than March exports of $185.2 billion. April imports were $5.4 billion more than March imports of $222.3 billion.
Canada's merchandise imports rose 1.2 percent in April, while exports edged down 0.2 percent, according to a report from Statistics Canada. As a result, Canada's trade deficit with the world went from $3 million in March to C$567 million (US$560 million) in April.
Imports rose for a fourth consecutive month to a record high of $40.8 billion. The increase in imports was led by energy products, motor vehicles and parts, and metal ores and non-metallic minerals. Overall, volumes were up 1.5 percent.
Exports edged down to $40.3 billion, as decreases in metal ores and non-metallic minerals, energy products, and industrial machinery, equipment and parts were partially offset by a large increase in metals and non-metallic mineral products. Overall, prices declined 0.7 percent, while volumes were up 0.5 percent.
Imports from the United States increased 1.9 percent to a record high of $26.2 billion. Exports to the United States grew 1.8 percent to $30.1 billion. Consequently, Canada's trade surplus with the United States went from $3.8 billion in March to $3.9 billion in April.