The primary objective of the Canadian International Merchandise Trade Statistical Program is to measure the change in Canada’s stock of material resources that results from the movement of merchandise into or out of the country.
Information on imports and exports are inputs into the System of National Accounts, particularly in the balance of payments and gross domestic product. These data are used in the formulation of trade and budgetary policies.
Other uses of Canadian trade statistics by governments, importers, exporters, manufacturers and shipping companies include monitoring import penetration and export performance, monitoring commodity price and volume changes, and examining transport implications.
The objective of these notes is to provide an overview of the Canadian International Merchandise Trade Statistical Program with particular reference to concepts, definitions and practices that are applicable to merchandise trade data.
Custodian: Statistics Canada