Canada rebounds into trade surplus status

Canada returned to international trade surplus status in September with a surge in exports and modest dip in imports, Statistics Canada reported Thursday. The country's trade went from a deficit of $487 million in August to a surplus of $1.2 billion in September as exports rose 4.2 percent and imports declined by 0.3 percent, the agency said. "Exports rose to $39.7 billion, the highest value since October 2008, as six of seven sectors posted gains in September," StatsCan said. "Imports decreased to $38.5 billion as volumes fell 3.1 percent and prices increased 2.8 percent." Since January, Canada has been posting monthly international trade deficits. The agency splits its reporting on Canada's trade with its biggest partner, the United States, and all other countries. Canadian exports to the United States increased 5 percent to $28.2 billion in September as imports from the United States decreased 1 percent to $23.8 billion. For all other countries, exports rose 2.3 percent to $11.5 billion, while imports also rose 0.7 percent to $14.7 billion.