Statistics Canada has announced a delay in the release of international trade data for September due to the recent government shutdown in the United States. The agency depends on information from the U.S. Census Bureau to monitor Canadian export volumes, but this data has not been forthcoming since the U.S. government shutdown during early October.
Consequently, Statistics Canada disclosed that it will not be able to publish Canadian export and import data for September on the scheduled date of November 4. The agency indicated that it cannot present monthly international trade results until the U.S. government shutdown concludes, expressing the possibility of exploring alternative options if the disruption persists over an extended period.
Crucial indicators like quarterly gross domestic product by expenditure and balance of international payments hinge on data derived from the monthly trade statistics. In the event that the shutdown continues beyond the timeframe to publish third-quarter GDP data at the end of November, Statistics Canada intends to formulate special estimates of Canadian exports to the United States. Nonetheless, the agency cautioned that these forecasts may be subject to more significant revisions than usual.