Notice of release
Québec, June 29, 2022. – The Institut de la statistique du Québec released today its overview of Québec’s international merchandise imports and exports in current dollars, established on a customs basis, for the first quarter of 2022. The analysis looks at this trade from several angles, including the countries of origin and destination and the products imported or exported.
Trade balance improved in the first quarter of 2022
- Québec’s international merchandise trade (the sum of exports and imports) stood at $51.3 billion, up 9.5% from the first quarter of 2021.
- The province continued to trade mainly with the United States (52.1%) and China (7.5%).
- The merchandise trade balance shows a deficit of only $24.0 million, compared with $475.3 million in the first quarter of 2021.
Exports up 10.6%
- Québec’s international merchandise exports slightly exceeded $25.6 billion, up 10.6% from the first quarter of 2021. A large proportion of these exports continue to be destined for the U.S. market (73.6%) and a smaller proportion for the Chinese market (2.7%).
- Unwrought aluminum and aluminum alloys are the most exported products. Representing 9.3% of total exports, they grew 43.7% from the first quarter of 2021.
Imports up 8.5%
- Québec’s international merchandise imports totalled nearly $25.7 billion, up 8.5% from the first quarter of 2021. The United States remained Québec’s leading supplier, accounting for 33.0% of total imports. China, its second‑largest supplier, commanded a 12.5% share.
- The most imported products were light‑duty trucks, vans and sport utility vehicles (SUVs) ($1,615.5 million). However, imports of these products fell sharply from the first quarter of 2021 (-37.2%). The second most imported products were aircraft parts and other aerospace equipment, with imports of $1,535.8 million (+15.6% from the first quarter of 2021).
- While still above $1 billion, pharmaceutical and medicinal product imports were down from the first quarter of 2021 (-7.6%).
Next release: September 28, 2022
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.