Canada posted an unexpectedly larger trade deficit of CAN$924 million ($944 million US) in April, twice the amount registered in the previous month, a government agency announced Thursday. Exports decreased 1.9 percent to CAN$36.3 billion while imports fell 0.6 percent to CAN$37.2 billion, Statistics Canada said. Canada's machinery and equipment sector and goods and materials sector also posted declines.
Exports to the United States, however, increased for the second month in a row, edging up 0.3 percent to CAN$26.9 billion. Imports from Canada's largest trading partner increased 1.7 percent to CAN$23.1 billion in April, "reaching their highest level since November 2008."