OTTAWA -
Canada's merchandise imports and exports both declined in March, largely due to volume reductions.
Statistics Canada says imports fell more than twice as fast as exports, widening Canada's trade surplus with the world to $1.1 billion in March from $262 million in February.
Imports fell 4.4 per cent to $31.4 billion as most sectors posted decreases.
The agency reports energy products registered the largest decline, followed by machinery and equipment, as well as industrial goods and materials.
Imports have fallen by more than $8 billion since peaking last July.
Exports were down 1.8 per cent to $32.5 billion, largely reflecting a decline in exports to the United States as exports to the European Union increased.
