According to Statistics Canada, Canada's exports rose 1.3 percent in April, due mainly to higher exports of gold. Imports decreased 1.4 percent, mostly on lower imports of aircraft. As a result, Canada's merchandise trade deficit with the world narrowed from $2.3 billion in March to $966 million in April, the lowest deficit since October 2018. In real (or volume) terms, exports were up 2.0 percent and imports fell 1.9 percent.
Total imports were down 1.4 percent in April to $51.7 billion. Imports decreased in 6 of 11 sections, with aircraft and other transportation equipment and parts contributing the most to the decline.
After rising 7.8 percent in March, imports from countries other than the United States fell 7.0 percent in April to $18.1 billion. Lower imports from China (various products) and Saudi Arabia (crude oil) contributed the most to the widespread decrease.
Exports to countries other than the United States increased 2.4 percent to $12.9 billion in April, mainly on higher exports to Hong Kong (gold). Gains were also observed in exports destined for China (copper), Norway (nickel) and Indonesia (wheat).
As a result, Canada's trade deficit with countries other than the United States narrowed from a record $6.8 billion in March to $5.2 billion in April.
Imports from the United States were up 1.9 percent to $33.6 billion in April, while exports increased 0.9 percent to $37.8 billion. As a result, Canada's trade surplus with the United States narrowed from $4.5 billion in March to $4.2 billion in April.