1,000-Word Charts: Canada's Foreign Trade

Due to its complexity, much of the subject matter concerning the economy requires detailed editorial commentary, often supported by relevant tables and graphs.

At the same time, though, there are many topics (e.g., relating to demographics, housing starts, etc.) that cry out for compelling ‘shorthand’ visualizations.

Whichever path is followed, the point of the journey, almost always, is to reach a bottom line or two.

To provide additional value, ConstructConnect is now pleased to offer an ongoing series of 1,000-word charts.

These will help readers sort out the ‘big picture’ more clearly.

These 1,000-word charts look at Canada’s foreign trade as of April 2021.

Graph 1: Canada’s Foreign Trade: The Merchandise Trade Balance − April 2021

In April 2021, a surplus was recorded for the 3rd time in 4 months, +$7.1 billion CAD.

The last data point is for April 2021.
Based on seasonally adjusted monthly figures, projected at an annual rate.

Data source: Statistics Canada.
Chart: ConstructConnect.

Graph 2: Provincial Export Sales, Jan-Apr 2021
Ranked by $ Volume (also showing YTD % changes – i.e., vs Jan-Apr 2020)

Canada's total goods exports in Jan-Apr 2021 were +13.4% vs Jan-Apr 2020.

Data source: Statistics Canada.
Chart: ConstructConnect.

Graph 3: Canada’s Key Export Product Sales by Province

B.C. has been showing the most export sales improvement among all provinces, with forestry products (+56.4% ytd) especially bullish.

Data source: Statistics Canada Table 12-10-0119-01.
Chart: ConstructConnect.

Please click on the following link to view the latest Foreign Trade charts and tables: CanaData Forecaster Charts & Tables – Foreign Trade

Alex Carrick is Chief Economist for ConstructConnect. He has delivered presentations throughout North America on the U.S., Canadian and world construction outlooks. Mr. Carrick has been with the company since 1985. Links to his numerous articles are featured on Twitter @ConstructConnx, which has 50,000 followers.