Canada has recorded an unexpected trade surplus, its first in six months, as rising oil and gold prices boosted export earnings. According to new trade data for March 2026, the country posted a $1.78 billion surplus, beating forecasts that had predicted a deficit. Total exports climbed 8.5% to $72.8 billion, marking one of the strongest monthly performances on record.
Energy played a central role in the rebound. Oil exports surged 15.6% year-over-year, supported by a sharp rise in crude prices triggered by geopolitical tensions involving Iran. At the same time, global demand for safe-haven assets pushed Canada’s gold and metals exports to record levels, reinforcing the country’s position as a major commodities supplier.
Metal exports, including gold, silver, and platinum group metals, jumped 24% year-over-year to $15.3 billion. Unwrought precious metals alone rose nearly 38%, with strong demand from key trading partners such as the United Kingdom. Vehicle exports also contributed modestly to growth, adding further support to the country’s export performance.
On the import side, Canada saw a slight cooling in domestic demand. Imports fell 1.6% to $71 billion, driven by weaker purchases of consumer goods, pharmaceuticals, and transportation equipment. This decline helped widen the trade surplus further, especially as imports from the United States also softened.
Trade with the U.S. remains significant but is showing signs of strain. Canada’s surplus with its largest trading partner widened to $7.1 billion, even as economists warn that the overall improvement may not last. Export volumes were largely flat, suggesting the surplus was driven more by higher commodity prices than by stronger economic activity. With oil and gold prices already retreating from recent highs, analysts expect Canada’s trade balance could narrow in the coming months.
source: oilprice