Facts & Figures

China leads Canada's trade with emerging markets

November 23, 2005

Source: Statistics Canada

Canada's merchandise exports to China have raced ahead over the past 10 years, rising from $3.5 billion in 1995 to $6.7 billion by 2004. Exports to India have also nearly doubled, from $440 million to $854 million. Canada's merchandise imports from China have increased even more dramatically, rising five-fold from $4.6 to $24.1 billion during the same period. With an average annual growth rate of 18%, imports from China easily outstripped those from Brazil and India. Imports from the latter two countries also increased though: imports from Brazil more than doubled, and imports from India nearly tripled. China's relative importance to Canada's imports has increased as well: in 1995, China was Canada's sixth most important source of imports, and by 2004 it was second. With these numbers, China continues to stand out as one of Canada's most important trading partners.

Provided by the Trade and Economic Analysis Division (www.international.gc.ca/eet).