According to Statistics Canada, Canada's merchandise exports increased 2.5 percent in April, while imports edged down 0.2 percent. As a result, Canada's merchandise trade surplus with the world widened from $231 million in March to $1.9 billion in April.
Following two consecutive monthly declines, total exports rose 2.5 percent in April, with 6 of the 11 product sections showing increases. In real (or volume) terms, total exports were up 2.8 percent. In April, export volumes reached an all-time high and finally surpassed their pre-COVID-19 pandemic levels.
Total imports edged down 0.2 percent in April. This was the third consecutive monthly decrease, with declines observed in 7 of the 11 product sections. In real (or volume) terms, total imports increased 1.0 percent.
Exports to the United States rose 4.4 percent in April, mainly because of higher exports of gold. Meanwhile, imports from the United States decreased 0.4 percent. As a result, Canada's trade surplus with the United States widened from $7.2 billion in March to $9.5 billion in April.
Exports to countries other than the United States fell 3.1 percent in April. Lower exports to the United Kingdom (gold) and China (miscellaneous products) were partly offset by higher exports to Hong Kong (gold) and South Korea (coal).
Imports from countries other than the United States edged up 0.3 percent in April. Higher imports from Ireland (pharmaceutical products) and the Netherlands (motor gasoline) were partly offset by lower imports from China (industrial machinery and cellphones).
As a result, Canada's merchandise trade deficit with countries other than the United States widened from $7.0 billion in March to $7.5 billion in April.