Statistics Canada showed that Canada’s merchandise trade deficit stood at CAD4.59 billion in December, widening from an unrevised CAD2.06 billion gap in November. 

Economists had expected a deficit of CAD2.80 billion.  

According to the report, the country’s exports decreased 3.8 percent m-o-m to CAD46.31 billion in December, almost entirely on lower exports of energy products, which dropped 21.7 percent m-o-m due to falling crude oil prices. 

Meanwhile, imports rose 1.6 percent m-o-m to CAD50.90 billion in December, as increased imports of energy products (+19.7 percent m-o-m), motor vehicles and parts (+4.0 percent m-o-m), and metal ores and non-metallic minerals (+32.8 percent m-o-m) were partially offset by lower imports of aircraft and other transportation equipment and parts (-29.4 percent m-o-m).

Canada's merchandise trade deficit narrowed from $24.6 billion in 2017 to $21.7 billion in 2018. Annual imports were up 5.7 percent to $607.1 billion in 2018 with increases in all product sections. Consumer goods and industrial machinery, equipment and parts posted the largest increases. Despite recent monthly declines, annual exports were up 6.5 percent to $585.4 billion, led by higher exports of energy products.