Canada: economy

What is Canada's GDP growth rate?

Canada's real gross domestic product grew 0.8% in the second quarter of 2026, according to Statistics Canada, released on 28 August 2026. Growth was led by higher exports, household spending and business investment. First-quarter growth was revised up from 0.0% to 0.1%.

The 0.8% is a quarter-on-quarter change in real (inflation-adjusted) GDP, not an annual rate. Exports rose 3.6%, the largest increase since early 2023, led by cars and light trucks, while imports rose 0.3%. Quarterly estimates are revised as more source data arrive.

Official sources: Statistics Canada: Gross domestic product, income and expenditure, second quarter 2026

Is Canada's GDP per capita growing?

Real GDP per capita rose 1.0% in the second quarter of 2026, faster than total real GDP (0.8%), because Canada's population declined for the third consecutive quarter, according to Statistics Canada. The figures were published on 28 August 2026.

Per capita GDP divides output by the population, so it can rise faster than GDP when the population shrinks and slower when it grows quickly, as in 2023 and 2024. It is a measure of output per person, not of household income. Statistics Canada's later population estimates for July 2026 showed growth of 0.2% in the second quarter, so per capita figures can change as population data are revised.

Official sources: Statistics Canada: Gross domestic product, income and expenditure, second quarter 2026

Does Canada have a trade surplus or deficit?

Canada had a merchandise trade surplus of $4.2 billion with the world in August 2026, up from $787 million in July, according to Statistics Canada, released on 6 October 2026. It was the sixth consecutive monthly surplus. Exports rose 2.5% and imports fell 2.0%.

These are monthly, seasonally adjusted figures in Canadian dollars. Because much trade is priced in US dollars, a stronger Canadian dollar lowers the Canadian-dollar value of trade; the dollar rose 1.1 US cents in August. Energy exports rose 4.7%, while imports of motor vehicles and parts fell 8.8%. Previous months are often revised, and services trade is published separately.

Official sources: Statistics Canada: Canadian international merchandise trade, August 2026

How much does Canada trade with the United States?

Canada's merchandise trade surplus with the United States widened from $6.1 billion in July to $11.2 billion in August 2026, the largest monthly increase ever recorded, according to Statistics Canada. Exports to the US rose 8.1% and imports from the US fell 2.5%.

Statistics Canada links part of the rise to new US tariffs announced on 22 July that took effect at the end of August, which may have led importers to bring shipments forward. Exports to countries other than the US fell 8.5% in August, and their share of Canadian exports dropped from 33.9% to 30.2%. Monthly trade figures can swing sharply around tariff dates.

Official sources: Statistics Canada: Canadian international merchandise trade, August 2026

What is the household saving rate in Canada?

Canada's household saving rate was 3.7% in the second quarter of 2026, according to Statistics Canada, as growth in disposable income (+2.1%) outpaced nominal household spending (+1.7%). The figures come from the national accounts released on 28 August 2026.

The saving rate is the share of household disposable income not spent on consumption. It is an average across all households, and Statistics Canada notes that saving rates are generally higher in higher income brackets. Income gains in the quarter came mainly from wages and salaries and higher government transfers. The rate is revised with each release of the national accounts.

Official sources: Statistics Canada: Gross domestic product, income and expenditure, second quarter 2026

What is Canada's economic growth rate?

The World Bank puts real GDP growth in Canada at 1.7% in 2025. The peak was 6.0% in 2021 and the low -5.0% in 2020. Worldwide: 137th of 180.

What is Canada's GDP per person?

The World Bank puts GDP per person in Canada at $55,698 in 2025. The peak was $56,497 in 2022 and the low $36,384 in 2005. Of 180 countries with 2025 data, 19th highest.

What is Canada's GDP per person adjusted for prices?

The World Bank puts GDP per person at purchasing power parity in Canada at $66,746 in international dollars in 2025. No year since 2005 has been higher. World rank, highest first: 22nd of 179.

How much does Canada export?

31.3% of GDP: that is exports of goods and services in Canada for 2025, according to the World Bank. The peak was 36.9% of GDP in 2005 and the low 28.5% of GDP in 2009. Of 133 countries with 2025 data, 79th highest.

What is Canada's current account balance?

The latest figure from the IMF, for 2025, is -1.0% of GDP, a deficit. Its high point since 2005 was 2005, at 1.9% of GDP; its low point was 2010, at -3.6% of GDP. Of 132 countries with 2025 data, 68th highest.

How much foreign direct investment goes into Canada?

The IMF puts net inflows of foreign direct investment in Canada at 3.0% of GDP in 2025. Since 2005 it has ranged from 1.5% of GDP (2009) to 8.2% of GDP (2007). World rank, highest first: 64th of 179.

What are bank lending rates in Canada?

In 2017, the average bank lending rate in Canada was 2.7%, according to the IMF. The peak was 6.1% in 2007 and the low 2.4% in 2009. World rank, highest first: 119th of 122.