In August, Canada's merchandise trade balance with the world was in a surplus position for the first time since December 2016. The $526 million surplus followed a $189 million deficit in July. Both imports and exports declined in August. Imports fell 2.5%, mainly on lower imports from non-US countries, while exports were down 1.1%, mostly on decreased exports of passenger cars and light trucks.

In real (or volume) terms, imports declined 1.5% and exports fell 0.7%.