Auto prods drag down imports-exports

OTTAWA — Canada’s merchandise exports dipped by 1.9 percent to $36.3 billion in April, following a 4.8 percent gain the previous month.

Imports also declined, falling 0.6 percent.

As a result, Canada’s trade deficit with the world widened from $417 million in March to $924 million in April, reports Stats Canada.

The decrease in export volume was led by the machinery and equipment sector. The industrial goods and materials, and the automotive sectors contributed the most to the decline in prices.

After strong gains in March, imports of automotive products registered the largest decline in April as well.

Exports to the United States, though, increased for the second month in a row, edging up 0.3 percent to $26.9 billion while imports increased 1.7 percent to $23.1 billion — reaching their highest level since November 2008.