Statistics Canada has announced a delay in releasing the international trade data for September due to the U.S. government shutdown. The agency depends on data from the U.S. Census Bureau to monitor Canadian export volumes, which has not been forthcoming since the shutdown began over a funding dispute in Congress. Consequently, Statistics Canada will not be able to provide the planned Canadian export and import data for September on November 4.
The agency stated that it cannot report monthly international trade results until the U.S. government shutdown concludes. However, if the disruption persists for an extended period, Statistics Canada may need to explore alternative solutions. Critical indicators like quarterly gross domestic product by expenditure and balance of international payments hinge on information derived from the monthly trade statistics.
In case the shutdown prolongs and prevents the publication of third-quarter GDP data at the end of November, Statistics Canada plans to create special estimates for Canadian exports to the United States. Nonetheless, the agency cautions that these projections could undergo more significant revisions than usual.