An overview of the methods used to compile statistics on exports of energy products within the International Merchandise Trade Program, specifically for the continuous transmission commodities crude oil, natural gas and electricity. Some exceptional processes are followed for these products, and this paper summarizes the methods used, and explains the factors behind the methods selected.
This paper examines the evolution of Canadian manufactured goods exported between 2002 and 2012. This period was characterized by several economic events and the analysis of changes in manufacturing exports provides a better understanding on how the manufacturing sector has evolved during the past decade.
Additionally, this paper analyzes trends in the composition of exports and the distribution of foreign importers of Canadian manufactured goods between 2002 and 2012. It also examines the change in the export intensity throughout 21 key industries of the manufacturing sector.
Quarterly international merchandise trade statistics are published approximately six weeks after the reference period. Two weeks later, these data are incorporated into the Income and Expenditure Accounts, at which point they are subject to revision. This note outlines the primary sources of the revisions.
Statistics Canada produces monthly import and export merchandise trade price indexes. For the majority of these prices, Statistics Canada uses a variety of proxy measures to derive the price index in lieu of collecting observed import and export prices. The ability of these proxy measures to reflect international trade price movements during times of exchange rate volatility is limited. For this reason, the constant dollar trade estimates derived using these proxy price indexes have been refined with constant dollar adjustments following the appreciation of the Canadian exchange rate beginning at the end of 2002. This paper explains the rational and methodology behind these adjustments, as well as the impact on published trade and GDP estimates.