Statistics Canada has announced a delay in the release of international trade data for September due to the U.S. government shutdown. The agency relies on data from the U.S. Census Bureau to monitor Canadian export volumes, but has not received any information since the shutdown began over a funding dispute in Congress at the beginning of October.
As a result, Statistics Canada will not be able to publish Canadian export and import data for September on the scheduled date of November 4. Monthly international trade results will remain unreported until the U.S. government shutdown concludes. If the disruption persists, the agency may need to explore alternative options.
Key economic indicators like quarterly gross domestic product (GDP) and balance of international payments depend on the monthly trade data. In case the shutdown prolongs and prevents the publication of third-quarter GDP data in late November, Statistics Canada plans to create special estimates for Canadian exports to the U.S. However, the agency cautions that these projections may undergo more significant revisions than usual.
