Canada’s Imports Edge Lower in September

Canada’s goods imports fell 0.3% to C$73.2 billion in September 2026, following a 2.2% decline in August. Motor vehicle and parts imports dropped 9.1%, after falling 9.3% in August, as imports of passenger cars and light trucks declined 13.2%. Consumer goods imports also decreased 2.9%, mainly due to an 18.3% drop in miscellaneous goods and supplies, alongside lower imports of battery energy storage systems from China. These declines were largely offset by a 10.3% surge in electronic and electrical equipment and parts, which reached a record high. Computer and peripheral imports jumped 29.4%, driven by higher purchases of processing units from the US, while communication, audio and video equipment imports rose 5%, mainly on increased cell phone shipments from China and the US.

Canada’s goods imports fell 2% month over month to C$73.7 billion in August 2026, marking the first decline since January and falling from record levels in July. 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%).