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

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

What We Know

The claim that "80% of Canada's exports go to the US" is based on trade statistics that indicate a significant portion of Canadian exports are directed to the United States. According to the United States Trade Representative, Canada exported over three-quarters (approximately 75%) of its goods to the United States in 2024. This figure aligns with historical data that consistently shows the US as Canada's primary trading partner.

In 2024, total goods trade between the US and Canada was estimated at $762.1 billion, with US goods exports to Canada amounting to $349.4 billion and imports from Canada totaling $412.7 billion (source). The data indicates that while the percentage of exports to the US is substantial, it does not reach the 80% mark claimed.

Analysis

The claim of 80% appears to be an exaggeration. The most reliable recent data shows that approximately 75% of Canadian exports go to the United States, which is significant but does not support the claim of 80%. The Census Bureau provides detailed trade statistics that confirm this figure, indicating that while the US is indeed the largest market for Canadian goods, the actual percentage is lower than stated.

The source from the United States Trade Representative is credible, as it is a government agency responsible for developing and coordinating US international trade policy. This agency regularly publishes trade statistics and analyses, making it a reliable source for understanding trade relationships.

In contrast, while some sources may report higher percentages in specific contexts or years, they often lack the comprehensive data necessary to substantiate such claims consistently across time. For example, the World Factbook and Wikipedia provide general information about Canada but do not offer the specific trade percentages that directly address the claim.

Conclusion

The claim that "80% of Canada's exports go to the US" is Partially True. While it is accurate that a significant majority of Canadian exports are directed to the US, the actual figure is closer to 75%. Thus, while the claim reflects the strong trade relationship between the two countries, it overstates the percentage.