A First: China edges Canada in U.S. exports

TORONTO — For the first time, Canada has lost its spot as the largest exporter to the U.S.

The top spot as the world’s No. 1 seller of goods to the U.S. this past July went to China, according to international trade data cited by the Globe and Mail.

In July, Canada sold goods worth $20.6 billion US south of the border, down from $24 billion in June. China, meanwhile, drew $21.3 billion for its exports to the United States, up from $21 billion a month earlier.

Last year, China replaced Mexico as in the No. 2 spot for selling goods to the U.S.

However, Canada still claims its top spot in cumulative sales to date for the year, with exports totalling $158.7 billion so far, compared to $130.5 billion for the year to date.

And while Canada has ceded the top position to China this recent month, it still maintains the title for two-way trade. In July alone total trade was worth $39.2 billion U.S., while trade between China and the U.S. was considerably less, at $24.9 billion.

Still, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce told the Globe that the recent numbers should provide as a warning to Canadian businesses.
“This is perhaps the wake-up call that people need,” Chamber President Nancy Hughes Anthony told the Globe.

— from the Globe and Mail