According to Statistics Canada, Canada's exports rose 1.6 percent to a record $48.6 billion in April, while imports were down 2.5 percent to $50.5 billion. As a result, Canada's merchandise trade deficit with the world narrowed from $3.9 billion in March to $1.9 billion in April.
Exports increased 1.6 percent to a record $48.6 billion in April, the sixth increase over the past seven months. Higher exports of metal and non-metallic mineral products, consumer goods and energy products were partially offset by lower exports of aircraft and other transportation equipment and parts. Year over year, total exports rose 3.1 percent.
After reaching a record high in March, imports fell 2.5 percent in April to $50.5 billion, with declines in 8 of 11 sections. Lower imports of motor vehicles and parts and consumer goods were partially offset by higher imports of energy products. Year over year, total imports were up 4.7 percent.
Exports to the United States were up 3.2 percent to $36.1 billion in April, notably on higher exports of crude oil and crude oil bitumen. Imports from the United States decreased 1.4 percent to $32.5 billion, mostly on lower imports of passenger cars and light trucks.
Consequently, after five monthly contractions, Canada's merchandise trade surplus with the United States widened to $3.6 billion in April from a $2.0 billion surplus in March. Comparing the average exchange rates of March and April, the Canadian dollar gained 1.2 US cents relative to the American dollar. This followed a decline of 2.1 US cents in March.
Exports to countries other than the United States decreased 3.0 percent to $12.5 billion in April, mainly on lower shipments to the United Kingdom (crude oil), Saudi Arabia (other transportation equipment), Japan (coal) and South Korea (aircraft and coal). These decreases were partially offset by higher exports to China (crude oil), Hong Kong (unwrought gold) and the Netherlands (coal and diesel fuel).
Imports from countries other than the United States fell 4.3 percent to $18.0 billion in April, mainly on lower imports from China (computers). This follows record imports from China in March.
As a result, Canada's trade deficit with countries other than the United States narrowed from $6.0 billion in March to $5.5 billion in April.