Canada’s merchandise imports rose 2.2% month over month to C$75.4 billion in July 2026, marking the sixth consecutive monthly increase. Advances were recorded in six of the 11 major product sections.
Imports of motor vehicles and parts climbed 11.4% to a record high. Seasonal shutdowns at North American auto plants for retooling, maintenance, and summer holidays were less extensive than usual, particularly in the United States. Consequently, imports of passenger cars and light trucks jumped 19.8%.
Imports of metal and non-metallic mineral products increased 9.3%, driven by a 49.7% surge in basic and semi-finished non-ferrous metals and alloys, reflecting higher shipments of copper anodes from Chile. Imports of unwrought gold, silver, platinum group metals, and their alloys also rose, up 14.6%.
These gains were partly offset by declines in several categories, which tempered the overall increase in imports. Notable decreases were recorded in energy products (-8.2%), electronic and electrical equipment and parts (-3.3%), and aircraft and other transportation equipment and parts (-8.1%).
