Canada Scores Record Trade Surplus on High Oil

Canada has recorded its first trade surplus in six months, defying forecasts of a deficit thanks to surging oil and gold prices. Canada’s merchandise trade balance swung to a $1.78 billion surplus in March against expectations of a shortfall of $2.88 billion, with total exports rising 8.5% to $72.8 billion, the second-highest level on record. The country’s energy exports jumped 15.6% Y/Y, reaching their highest level since late 2022, largely driven by a nearly 20% spike in crude oil prices amid the war in Iran. Canada's exports of metallic…