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    Québec’s international merchandise exports hold steady for May 2021

    Québec, July 15, 2021 – Québec’s seasonally adjusted international merchandise exports in constant dollars remained unchanged (0.0%) in May 2021. This finding comes from an analysis of the most recent international merchandise trade data for Québec released today by the Institut de la statistique du Québec.

    Exports were up in May for aircraft (+22.8%), aircraft engines (+43.6%), oilseeds (except canola) (+95.0 %), and other transportation equipment (+114.5%).

    However exports in certain other categories were down significantly, including unwrought gold, silver and platinum group metals and their alloys (‑66.1%), heavy fuel oils (‑99.6%), prepared and packaged seafood products (‑75.8%), and diesel and biodiesel fuels (‑63.2%).

    For the first five months of the year, Québec’s international merchandise exports increased by 3.7% over the same period in 2020.

    Québec’s international merchandise imports up 3.9% in May 2021

    Québec’s seasonally adjusted international merchandise imports in constant dollars rose by 3.9% in May from April 2021.  

    The products that contributed most to the May increase were pharmaceutical and medicinal products (+41.5%), unwrought gold, silver and platinum group metals and their alloys (+132.0%), basic and semi-finished products of non-ferrous metals and non-ferrous metal alloys (+174.0%), and medical, dental and personal safety supplies (+87.5%).

    However, imports were down in a number of other product categories, including motor gasoline (including blending components and ethanol fuel) (‑83.6%), conventional crude oil (‑42.7%), nickel ores and concentrates (‑78.4%), and tires (‑13.1%).

    For the first five months of the year, Québec’s international merchandise imports were up 16.9% compared to the same period in 2020.

    The situation in Canada

    According to data published by Statistics Canada on July 2, Canada’s merchandise exports, seasonally adjusted and in constant dollars, declined by 1.4% in May from March 2021. In contrast, Canada’s merchandise imports increased by 2.9%

    For the first five months of 2021, compared to the same period last year, Canada’s international merchandise exports rose by 4.5%, and imports by 16.3%.

    International merchandise exports and imports1
    (percentage change)


      2020   2021
     
     

      Annual change   Monthly change2 Cumulative change2,3
         
     
          April May  

    Québec
    Exports -8,7   -2,3 0,0 3,7
    Imports -15,2   -4,4 3,9 16,9
     
    Canada
    Exports -6,4   -5,1 -1,4 4,5
    Imports -9,3   -6,5 2,9 16,3

    1. In constant dollars, at 2012 prices.
    2. Seasonally adjusted.
    3. First five months of 2021 compared with the same period in 2020.
    Sources: Institut de la statistique du Québec and Statistics Canada.

    Useful links

    International trade – Monthly data

    International Trade Data Online: A tool for generating customized reports

    Next release: August 19, 2021

     


    The Institut de la statistique du Québec produces, analyzes and disseminates official, objective and quality statistical information on various aspects of Québec society. It is responsible for conducting all statistical surveys of general interest. The relevance of its work makes it a strategic ally for decision makers and all those wishing to learn more about Québec.

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