Canada Imports End Rising Streak

Canada’s goods imports fell 2% month over month to C$73.7 billion in August 2026, marking the first decline since January. Despite the overall decrease, six of 11 product sections recorded gains. Imports of motor vehicles and parts fell 8.8%, while passenger cars and light trucks dropped 15.4% after reaching an all-time high in July due to shorter seasonal production stoppages in the US. Imports of metal and non-metallic mineral products declined 7.0%, led by a 40% drop in unwrought gold, silver and platinum group metals and their alloys, reflecting lower purchases of gold held in Canada by US residents. Imports of metal ores and non-metallic minerals fell 15.5% to their lowest level since November 2025, led by a 17.1% decline in other metal ores and concentrates. Lower imports of lead and zinc ores from Australia and Peru, as well as gold, silver and platinum group metal ores from Brazil, Peru and Mauritania, contributed to the decline.

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.