Canada’s trade balance swung back into surplus in January, on a sharp decline of imports led by the auto sector.
The nation recorded a trade surplus of C$2.6 billion ($2 billion), from a sharply revised deficit of C$1.6 billion in December, Statistics Canada reported on Tuesday. That’s the widest monthly surplus since 2008. Imports fell 7.4%, led by a 14% drop in shipments into Canada of motor vehicles and parts.
Exports were down just 0.2% during the month, helped by rising prices for energy. Excluding energy, exports were down 2.7%.