AFP, Ottawa :
Canada posted Friday a surprise trade deficit of Can$610 million (US$541.6 million) for the month of August due to record imports, following a significant surplus the previous month.
Analysts had expected a surplus for the latest reporting period, following a surplus of Can$2.2 billion (US$1.95 billion) in July.
According to Statistics Canada, imports rose to a record high of Can$44.8 billion (US$39.8 billion), led by mineral and energy products while exports fell to Can$44.2 billion (US$39.2 billion).
The government agency said imports of unwrought iron, steel and ferro-alloys, basic and semi-finished ferrous metal products, unwrought copper and copper alloys, and nickel ores and concentrates were up.
Imports of crude oil and crude bitumen, natural gas, and consumer goods also rose, while imports of motor vehicle engines and motor vehicle parts, as well as passenger cars and light trucks fell.
Exports of passenger cars and light trucks, crude oil and crude bitumen also fell.
Exports of aircraft, ships and trains increased in the month.
