OTTAWA, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- Canada's merchandise imports have increased 3.4 percent, while exports were up 2.1 percent, Statistics Canada announced on Thursday.
According to the national statistical agency, the country's merchandise trade balance went from a small surplus of 243 million Canadian dollars (about 178 million U.S. dollars) in September to a deficit of 583 million Canadian dollars (about 427 million U.S. dollars) in October.
The rise in imports was led by a 10.2 percent surge in electronic and electrical equipment, notably computers and smartphones. Imports of metal and non-metallic mineral products also rebounded with a 9.5 percent increase, said the agency.
The growth in exports was driven by a 27.3 percent jump in exports of metal and non-metallic mineral products, primarily unwrought gold to Britain. Excluding this category, total exports would have declined by 2.5 percent, said the agency.
When combined with services, Canada's total trade balance with the world went from a surplus of 607 million Canadian dollars (about 438 million U.S. dollars) in September to a small deficit of 59 million Canadian dollars (about 42.6 million U.S. dollars) in October, said Statistics Canada. ■