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My AccountWith vast natural resources and a strong industrial base, Canada engages in extensive international trade, both exporting and importing goods that fuel its economy. In 2023 alone, Canada’s exports crossed the $768 billion threshold, while imports rose by 1.4%, reaching $770.2 billion.
These numbers reflect Canada’s unique position in the global market. The country exports a wide range of natural resources and locally produced goods, while importing items that aren’t produced domestically or aren’t economically feasible to produce on Canadian soil. Whether it’s importing cars and machinery, or exporting maple syrup, Canada’s trade activities are diverse and far-reaching.
Clearit is proud to support many Canadian businesses as they overcome the complexities of importing and exporting in our “home and native land.” In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the top imports and exports that drive Canada’s economy, along with a glimpse into the countries that are its main trading partners.
Overview of Canada’s Trade History
Trade has been a key part of Canada’s economy since the early days of settlement when exports of timber, fur, and grain led the way. Over time, the country shifted to exporting oil and metals, as well as manufactured goods and services. By the 20th century, trade became an important driver of economic growth, with exports and imports shaping much of Canada’s economic activity.
In the 1980s, Canada began signing free trade agreements to expand its global trade network. The Canada-U.S. Free Trade Agreement in 1988, followed by NAFTA in 1994, were major steps in integrating Canada’s economy with its largest trading partners. These agreements allowed industries, such as automotive manufacturing, to grow by increasing access to international markets.
In the 21st century, Canada continues building trade relationships, joining the World Trade Organization (WTO), and signing deals with regions like Europe and the Asia-Pacific. Agreements like CETA and the CPTPP have expanded market access for Canadian businesses. Despite some challenges, including the global recession in 2008 and recent trade deficits, Canada remains focused on supporting and balancing international trade with measures to safeguard its cultural and economic interests, adapting to the modern realities of global commerce.
Canada’s Top Imports
Canada imports a wide variety of goods to meet its population and industries’ needs.
SUVs & Light Trucks
SUVs and light trucks are Canada’s largest import, valued at $34.3 billion USD in 2024. Essential for Canada’s transportation and commercial sectors, the country imports most of these vehicles from the United States, as the two nations share a highly integrated automotive industry.
Aircraft, Engines & Parts
Aircraft, engines, and parts make up $25.8 billion USD of Canada’s imports. Canada is a leader in aerospace manufacturing, but it still relies heavily on imported parts for aircraft assembly and maintenance. The country imports both commercial and military aircraft components, primarily from the U.S. and Europe.
Oil & Gas
Despite being a major producer of oil, Canada imports a large amount of crude oil and natural gas to support its domestic refining industry. In 2024, oil drilling and gas extraction account for $23.9 billion USD of Canada’s imports. These imports help meet the demand for energy across various provinces.
Petroleum
Canada’s petroleum refining industry imports $23.3 billion USD worth of crude oil annually. These imports are essential for refineries, especially in Eastern Canada, which relies on foreign oil due to the limited pipeline infrastructure connecting them to domestic sources.
Cars & Car Parts
Imports of vehicles and related parts make up $17.8 billion USD of Canada’s imports. As domestic production has shifted abroad, Canada increasingly imports cars and car parts from countries like the U.S., Mexico, and Japan to meet its automotive market demands.
Canada’s Top Exports
Interestingly, some of Canada’s top imports are also goods the country exports in large quantities, thanks to trade agreements and economic feasibility.
Crude Oil & Gas
Canada’s largest export is crude oil and gas, valued at $158.2 billion USD in 2024. Most of this oil is sourced from Western Canada oil sands and offshore drilling operations in Newfoundland and Labrador. A significant portion of these exports are sent to the United States, Canada’s largest trading partner, with smaller amounts going to markets in Asia and Europe.
Refined Petroleum
While the country imports crude oil for refining, it also exports a significant amount of processed petroleum products, contributing $27.6 billion USD to Canada’s economy. These exports help meet the energy needs of countries across the world, particularly in North America.
SUVs & Light Trucks
SUVs and light trucks are a major export for Canada, with a value of $19.2 billion USD in 2024. This sector is closely tied to the U.S. market, where most of these vehicles are destined, despite recent challenges in production.
Aircraft, Engines & Parts
Aircraft, engines, and parts make up $17.0 billion USD of Canada’s exports. Canada is a leading manufacturer of smaller commercial planes, civil helicopters, and aerospace components. These exports go to various international markets, including the U.S. and Europe.
Minerals & Phosphates
Canada’s mineral and phosphate mining sector, including gold, contributes $15.4 billion USD to its exports. The country is the world’s largest producer and exporter of potash, a critical ingredient for fertilizers. This industry plays an important role in supporting global agriculture, with exports sent to countries around the world.
Canada’s Main Trade Partners
Canada’s main trade partners include some of the largest economies in the world:
- United States
- China
- Japan
- United Kingdom
- Mexico
- Germany
Clearit’s experience spans all these trade partners, helping you ship, clear customs, and grow your business no matter where you import or export. To get started importing or exporting across the Canadian border:
