Fact Check: 80% of Canada's exports are sent to the US.

Fact Check: "80% of Canada's exports are sent to the US."

What We Know

The claim that "80% of Canada's exports are sent to the US" is a common assertion regarding the trade relationship between Canada and the United States. According to the latest data, in 2024, Canada exported approximately US$434.26 billion worth of goods to the United States, which represents a significant portion of its total exports. The total value of Canadian exports in 2024 was reported to be around US$997 billion, indicating that exports to the US accounted for about 43.5% of the total exports, not 80% as claimed (source-2, source-4).

Moreover, a report from TD Economics states that Canada is the largest supplier of goods to the US, with trade in goods and services crossing approximately C$910 billion (US$683 billion) in the first three quarters of 2024 (source-6). This figure includes both goods and services, which further complicates the assertion that 80% of exports are directed solely to the US.

Analysis

The claim that 80% of Canada's exports go to the US is misleading and not supported by current data. The actual percentage of exports to the US is significantly lower, around 43.5% based on the most recent statistics (source-2). This discrepancy highlights the importance of context when discussing trade figures.

The sources used to verify this claim are credible. The data from the United Nations COMTRADE database and the Canadian government's State of Trade report are reliable and provide a comprehensive overview of Canada's trade dynamics (source-2, source-4). Furthermore, TD Economics is a reputable economic research organization that provides insights into trade relationships and economic performance (source-6).

However, it is important to note that the trade relationship between Canada and the US is indeed substantial, and the US remains Canada's largest trading partner. The claim may stem from older statistics or misinterpretations of trade data, particularly when considering the total volume of trade, which includes services as well as goods.

Conclusion

Verdict: Partially True
While it is accurate that Canada has a strong trade relationship with the US, the claim that 80% of Canada's exports are sent to the US is not supported by current data. The actual percentage is approximately 43.5%, indicating that the claim is an exaggeration. The significance of the US as a trading partner cannot be understated, but it is crucial to rely on accurate statistics to understand the full scope of Canada's export dynamics.