Canada’s trade surplus widens to $4.2 billion in August

Canada’s merchandise exports rose 2.5 per cent in August while imports fell 2.0 per cent, widening the country’s trade surplus from $787 million in July to $4.2 billion. The August result marked Canada’s sixth consecutive monthly merchandise trade surplus.

According to Statistics Canada, exports increased in 8 of 11 product categories, led by energy products, consumer goods, industrial machinery, and electronic and electrical equipment. Energy exports rose 4.7 per cent, the first increase since April, supported by higher shipments of refined petroleum products and crude oil.

Industrial machinery, equipment and parts exports climbed 10.1 per cent to their highest level since January 2025, while exports of electronic and electrical equipment and parts increased 11.0 per cent.

On the import side, motor vehicles and parts posted the largest decline, falling 8.8 per cent after reaching a record high in July. Overall imports recorded their first monthly decrease since January.

Exports to the United States increased 8.1 per cent in August while imports from the U.S. fell 2.5 per cent, pushing Canada’s trade surplus with its largest trading partner to $11.2 billion, up from $6.1 billion in July. Statistics Canada said this was the largest positive monthly change ever recorded in Canada’s trade balance with the United States.

Meanwhile, exports to countries other than the United States declined 8.5 per cent after reaching a record high in July, while imports from those countries decreased 1.4 per cent. Canada’s trade deficit with non-U.S. trading partners widened from $5.3 billion to $7.0 billion.