Statistics Canada delays trade data release as U.S. government shutdown halts information flow

Statistics Canada says it is postponing the release of Canada’s international trade figures due to a lack of data from the United States, where a government shutdown has disrupted operations at the U.S. Census Bureau.

The federal agency said it normally depends on U.S. import data to calculate Canadian export volumes but has not received updated information since the shutdown began in early October over a budget standoff in Congress. As a result, trade statistics for September, originally scheduled for publication on November 4, will be delayed.

Statistics Canada said it will not be able to resume monthly trade reporting until the U.S. government reopens. If the disruption continues for a prolonged period, the agency may explore temporary alternatives to maintain reporting consistency.

The delay could affect other key economic indicators, including quarterly GDP by expenditure and the balance of international payments, which rely on trade data. Statistics Canada added it may produce special estimates for third-quarter GDP if the shutdown persists, but warned those figures could carry a higher risk of revision.