Canada increased imports from the U.S. in October, StatCan says

Canadian imports to the United States increased in October as the overall balance of trade moved from a surplus in September to a slight deficit.

Canadian imports from the United States increased in October as the overall balance of trade moved from a surplus in September to a slight deficit amid the ongoing trade war and tariffs impacting global economies — including Canada.

Statistics Canada reported Thursday that October 2025 saw a trade deficit of $583 million, compared with a revised surplus of $243 million in September.

A trade deficit happens when a nation imports more than it exports, while a surplus is the opposite result.

“Pockets of Canadian international trade continue to be significantly impacted by tariffs. But broader trade flows continue to show signs of stabilization,” Nathan Janzen, assistant chief economist at Royal Bank of Canada, said in a written statement.

In October, Statistics Canada says imports from the United States increased 5.3 per cent, which marked the first increase in four months as Canada seeks to look beyond the U.S. as its main trading partner.

Canada brought in from the United States more electronics, like smartphones, as well as raw platinum and silver bullion.

Janzen noted that rising imports can also be a positive sign of business and consumer demand.

“Higher imports are a positive indicator for domestic demand — jumps in imports of electronics and industrial equipment in October are a positive indicator of near-term consumer and business spending,” he said.