Canada’s world trade up in February

Canada reported a 5.2 percent increase in exports in February, along with a 1.1 percent increase in imports, Statistics Canada reported Thursday.

Both outgoing and incoming trade reversed a three-month trend of declines, the report said.

Exports totaled $33.1 billion, attributed to automakers resuming idled plants, while imports were valued at $33 billion, led by machinery and equipment, StatsCan said.

Exports to the United States increased 5 percent on the strength of automotive products and precious metals … (and) imports rose 3.7 percent, largely reflecting increases in automotive products and aircraft, the agency said.

Canada’s trade deficit with countries other than the United States narrowed to $3.3 billion in February from $4.2 billion in January, as exports gained 5.9 percent and imports declined 3.1 percent, the report said.