INDUSTRY/BUSINESS NEWS: Canadian international merchandise trade - Stats Can

Stats Can has released data for Canadian international merchandise trade in November 2009. As of January 21, 2010, a new version of the Canadian International Merchandise Trade database will offer Harmonized System import and export data at the 6 digit level (HS6), at no cost. The data on the new version will be the same as released today. More detailed data for imports at the HS10 level and for exports at the HS8 level will be available as custom tabulations exclusively from International Trade Division. (source: StatsCan)

_________________________________


Canadian international merchandise trade

November 2009

Canada's merchandise exports increased 1.1% in November on the strength of energy products, while imports rose 3.9% due to widespread gains. As a result, Canada's trade balance with the world went from a surplus of $503 million in October to a deficit of $344 million in November.
Exports and imports

Exports increased to $31.6 billion in November, marking the fifth increase in six months, as prices rose 1.1% and volumes remained unchanged. Energy products were the main factor behind the gain in November. Excluding energy products, exports fell 0.3%.

Export prices and volumes have each fallen by 16% since the value of exports peaked in July 2008.

Imports increased by $1.2 billion to $31.9 billion in November, almost offsetting the declines of the previous three months. The rise in imports represented the third monthly gain in 2009, as volumes increased 2.7% while prices rose 1.1%.

After peaking in July 2008, the value of imports fell by almost 20%, mostly the result of a 17% decline in volumes.

Most import sectors posted gains, with automotive products, machinery and equipment, and energy products accounting for the bulk of November's increase. The exception was industrial goods and materials.

Exports to the United States rose 2.0% while imports, which increased 3.8%, accounted for almost two-thirds of the gain in overall imports. As a result, Canada's trade surplus with the United States narrowed to $3.2 billion in November from $3.5 billion in October.