Canadian international merchandise trade, September 2021

Canada's merchandise exports decreased 2.3% in September, while imports were down 3.0%. Both declines were largely due to the shortage of semiconductor chips and their impact on the production of motor vehicles in North America.

Canada's merchandise trade surplus widened from $1.5 billion in August to $1.9 billion in September, a fourth consecutive monthly surplus. It is also the seventh monthly surplus recorded so far in 2021.

Supply issues for semiconductor chips once again affect merchandise trade

Since early 2021, supply issues and a shortage of semiconductor chips have forced motor vehicle producers around the world to temporarily slow or halt production. This extraordinary situation has led to marked declines in Canadian exports and imports of motor vehicles and parts. These production disruptions intensified in North America in September...

This has been excerpted from a 4 November 2021 release by Statistics Canada.