The Investor
06 Oct 2026, 17:07
Canada Posts Larger Trade Surplus While Ivey PMI Signals Slower Growth
Canada’s trade surplus widened sharply to C$4.20 billion in August, well above expectations for C$1.50 billion and up from C$0.79 billion in the previous month.
The stronger-than-expected trade balance suggests net exports provided a more favorable contribution to economic activity during the month, with the surplus expanding substantially beyond market forecasts.
Separately, Canada’s Ivey PMI fell to 58.2 in September from 64.3 in August and missed expectations for 65.2.
Despite the decline, the index remained comfortably above the 50 level that separates expansion from contraction, indicating that Canadian business activity continued to grow, albeit at a slower pace.
Taken together, the data present a mixed picture: external trade improved materially in August, while the September PMI suggests some moderation in domestic economic momentum.
Canada’s trade surplus widened sharply to C$4.20 billion in August, well above expectations for C$1.50 billion and up from C$0.79 billion in the previous month.
The stronger-than-expected trade balance suggests net exports provided a more favorable contribution to economic activity during the month, with the surplus expanding substantially beyond market forecasts.
Separately, Canada’s Ivey PMI fell to 58.2 in September from 64.3 in August and missed expectations for 65.2.
Despite the decline, the index remained comfortably above the 50 level that separates expansion from contraction, indicating that Canadian business activity continued to grow, albeit at a slower pace.
Taken together, the data present a mixed picture: external trade improved materially in August, while the September PMI suggests some moderation in domestic economic momentum.
