Auto sector helps Canada trade bounce back

Canadian trade continued in July to bounce back from a pandemic crunch, led by a second month of strong auto sales, but its trade deficit still swelled, the national statistical agency said on Thursday, September 3.

Total imports rose 12.7% to Can$47.9 billion (US$36.5 billion), while exports were up 11.1% to Can$45.4 billion – but both figures were still down from pre-pandemic levels, according to Statistics Canada.

As a result, Canada’s trade deficit with the world widened from a revised Can$1.6 billion in June to Can$2.5 billion in July – in line with economists’ expectations. The June figure was reported last month at Can$3.2 billion.

Canada’s trade surplus with the United States, its neighbor and largest trading partner, widened slightly to Can$2.9 billion in July.

That month, as was the case in June, motor vehicles and parts contributed the most to the growth in imports. 

Automotive imports are usually at their highest from March to June, but work restrictions to limit the spread of the coronavirus forced automakers to shift to increased production in July.

“This led to an atypical increase from June to July in supply and demand for motor vehicles and parts domestically and abroad,” said Statistics Canada in a statement.

As the North American auto sector ramped up production and sales it also bolstered Canadian exports, with increased shipments of vehicles and parts mainly going to the United States. 

Exports of crude oil also rose in July. But despite 3 consecutive months of gains, foreign sales of energy products remained below February levels.

Imports of consumer goods, meanwhile, surpassed February levels. They have been increasing since May in part because of a rise in imports of personal protective equipment.

Statistics Canada also noted higher imports of cellphones from China, Vietnam, and South Korea, as Canadian stores reopened following a months-long lockdown, and new models arrived on the market. – Rappler.com