In March, Canada's merchandise imports decreased 2.9%, while exports were down 0.7%. As a result, Canada's merchandise trade balance with the world moved from a revised $487 million deficit in February to a $972 million surplus in March.
Total imports decreased 2.9% in March to $62.6 billion, the lowest level observed since March 2022. In real (or volume) terms, imports fell 5.3% in March 2023.
Total exports decreased 0.7% in March to $63.6 billion, the lowest level since February 2022. In real (or volume) terms, exports edged up 0.1% in March 2023.
Total exports were down 0.3% in the first quarter of 2023, mainly because of lower prices. Meanwhile, quarterly imports edged down 0.2%. However, in real terms (calculated using chained 2012 dollars), quarterly exports increased 3.5%, while imports decreased 0.4%.
This is an excerpt from the 04 May 2023 edition of The Daily from Statistics Canada.