OTTAWA, Aug. 5 (Xinhua) -- Canada's merchandise imports rose 1.4 percent, marking the first increase in four months, while exports increased 0.9 percent in June, said Statistics Canada on Tuesday.
The growth of imports was largely driven by a 27.7-percent increase in imports of industrial machinery, equipment and parts, for which a one-time high-value shipment was reported in June, said the national statistical agency.
Following two consecutive monthly declines, imports of motor vehicles and parts were up 2.9 percent in June. Imports of passenger cars and light trucks increased the most, largely on higher imports from Mexico, said the agency.
Exports of energy products added 3.8 percent, contributing the most to the increase in total exports in June. Exports of crude oil increased the most, mainly on higher prices, said the agency.
Notable decreases were observed in June in exports of unwrought aluminum, down 11.3 percent, and in exports of iron and steel products, down 11.4 percent, the agency said, adding that both products have posted steep declines in recent months.
When international trade in goods and services are combined, exports increased 0.9 percent to 79.7 billion Canadian dollars (57.8 billion U.S. dollars) in June, while imports were up 1 percent to 86.3 billion Canadian dollars, said Statistics Canada. ■
