CDN exports-imports record gains in March

OTTAWA – Most of Canada’s industrial sectors recorded gains in both exports and imports in March.

According to Stats Canada, exports jumped 3.5 percent while imports grew 2.8 percent, increasing Canada’s trade surplus from $356 million in February to $627 million in March.

Exports rose to $37.4 billion in March, as volumes, up 2.5 percent, increased in all sectors except agricultural and fishing products. Broad-based gains in the value of exports were led by energy products and industrial goods and materials.

Exports have generally been trending upwards since May 2009. Higher volumes have accounted for almost two-thirds of the growth during that period, says Statscan.

Import volumes rose 3.2 percent while prices. Imports of automotive products, which largely accounted for the decline in February, were the main contributor to the gain in March.

Imports from the U.S., specifically rose 3.2 percent, while exports grew 1.9 percent.