Statistics Canada reports merchandise trade deficit $1.3B in December

A container ship is seen at the Port of Vancouver in this file photo. (CTV News)

OTTAWA — Statistics Canada says the country’s merchandise trade deficit narrowed in December to $1.3 billion as growth in exports outpaced a rise in imports.

The agency says the result compared with a revised deficit of $2.6 billion for November. The November deficit had initially been reported at $2.2 billion.

For December, total exports rose 2.6 per cent to $65.6 billion, boosted by an 18 per cent increase in the metal and non-metallic mineral products group, which includes unwrought gold, silver, and platinum group metals, and their alloys — a category largely composed of unwrought gold.

Excluding the metal and non-metallic mineral products group, exports edged down 0.2 per cent in December.

Total imports rose 0.6 per cent in December to $66.9 billion as imports of motor vehicles and parts gained 5.1 per cent for the month.

In volume terms, both exports and imports rose 1.4 per cent.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 19, 2026.