Statistics Canada announced that Canada's merchandise exports increased 1.6%, while imports edged up 0.3%. As a result, Canada's merchandise trade surplus with the world widened from $1.8 billion in March to $2.7 billion in April. This was the second consecutive monthly trade surplus, and the largest since January 2025.
The Federal Agency notes that export gains were observed in 9 of the 11 product sections in April. Energy products (+9.7%), as well as metal and non-metallic mineral products (-17.5%), posted large offsetting movements in April. Excluding these two product sections, exports increased 5.1%.
As for imports, overall, gains were observed in 6 of the 11 product sections. Imports of basic and industrial chemical, plastic and rubber products rose 16.9% and contributed the most to the gain in April
Exports to the United States rose 4.8% in April, increasing for a third consecutive month. Exports of crude oil and passenger cars and light trucks drove the monthly increase. Meanwhile, imports from the United States were up 1.6%. As a result, Canada's merchandise trade surplus with the United States widened from $7.8 billion in March to $9.5 billion in April, the largest surplus since February 2025.
Exports to countries other than the United States fell 4.8% in April. Lower exports of unwrought gold to the United Kingdom contributed the most to the decline. This was partially offset by higher exports to China (various products), which reached a record $3.8 billion in April.
Meanwhile, imports from countries other than the United States decreased 1.5% in April. Lower imports from China (machinery) and Germany (various products) were partially offset by higher imports from Mexico (unwrought gold and gold doré). Canada's trade deficit with countries other than the United States widened from $6.0 billion in March to $6.8 billion in April.