Canada Imports Edge Lower in May

Canada’s goods imports rose 2.2% month-over-month to C$75.4 billion in July 2026, marking a sixth consecutive monthly increase. Gains were recorded in six of the 11 product sections. Imports of motor vehicles and parts rose 11.4% to a record high, as seasonal shutdowns at North American auto plants for retooling, maintenance and summer holidays were less pronounced this year, particularly in the US. As a result, imports of passenger cars and light trucks surged 19.8%. Imports of metal and non-metallic mineral products increased 9.3%, led by a 49.7% jump in basic and semi-finished non-ferrous metals and alloys, reflecting higher shipments of copper anodes from Chile. Imports of unwrought gold, silver and platinum group metals and their alloys also rose 14.6%. Several sections posted declines, moderating the overall increase, including energy products (-8.2%), electronic and electrical equipment and parts (-3.3%), and aircraft and other transportation equipment and parts (-8.1%).

Canada's goods imports rose 0.2% month over month to a record C$73.6 billion in June 2026, despite declines in 9 of the 11 major product categories. The increase was driven by an 11.7% jump in electronic and electrical equipment and parts, as imports of computers and computer peripherals surged 59% to a record high, largely reflecting higher purchases of processing units from the US. The gain more than offset declines in industrial machinery, equipment and parts (-3.3%), consumer goods (-1.3%), and metal ores and non-metallic minerals (-3.4%). Excluding electronic and electrical equipment and parts, total imports fell 1.3% in June.

Canada's goods imports edged down 0.2% month-over-month to CAD 72.86 billion in May 2026 after reaching a record high in April. Imports of metal and non-metallic mineral products fell 18.2%, led by a 33.0% decline in unwrought gold, silver, and platinum group metals and their alloys. Imports of basic and semi-finished iron and steel products dropped 22.7%, while waste and scrap metal (-20.0%) and non-ferrous metals and alloys (-21.2%) also recorded sharp declines. The decrease was partly offset by a 3.5% increase in consumer goods imports, driven by a 10.0% rise in miscellaneous goods and supplies, mainly reflecting higher imports of batteries and battery chargers from China.