Author: Laura Dylan Kane
(Bloomberg) — Statistics Canada delayed the release of international merchandise trade data due to the U.S. government shutdown.
The agency said in a statement on Friday that it was no longer possible to release September data as originally scheduled for November 4. The report will be delayed until the U.S. Census Bureau resumes normal operations and agrees on a new joint release date, the agency said.
“The shutdown directly impacts Statistics Canada’s ability to compile and publish Canada’s international merchandise trade data, as Statistics Canada will not receive data on Canadian exports to the United States during the shutdown,” the report said.
It also warned that the shutdown would impact third-quarter gross domestic product spending and the balance of payments, as they rely on trade data as inputs. The reports will be released as planned, but the special estimates – which rely in part on model data – will face larger than normal revisions once actual data becomes available, it said.
If September data is still unavailable when third-quarter trade statistics are compiled, Statistics Canada said it will produce a special estimate of Canadian exports to the United States for that month.
However, monthly industry GDP and quarterly revenue GDP have not been directly affected by the current situation.
“While Statistics Canada’s current approach is to delay the release of monthly international trade statistics, other options may be considered if the U.S. lockdown continues for an extended period,” it said.
“Statistics Canada is monitoring developments closely and will provide users with updated information as new developments arise.”
The last time a U.S. government shutdown caused a delay in Canadian trade statistics was in early 2019, during President Donald Trump’s first term.
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Last modified: October 24, 2025
