Fact Check: About 80% of Canada’s exports go to the U.S.

Fact Check: "About 80% of Canada’s exports go to the U.S."

What We Know

The claim that "about 80% of Canada’s exports go to the U.S." is a common assertion regarding the trade relationship between Canada and the United States. According to the U.S. Trade Representative, U.S. total goods trade with Canada was estimated at $762.1 billion in 2024, with U.S. goods exports to Canada amounting to $349.4 billion. This indicates a significant trade relationship, but does not directly confirm the 80% figure.

Further data from the Trade in Goods with Canada report shows that a considerable portion of Canadian exports is indeed directed towards the U.S. In 2025, it was noted that over 70% of Canadian exports were sent to the United States, which aligns with the general understanding of the trade dynamics between the two countries.

Analysis

While the claim that 80% of Canadian exports go to the U.S. is prevalent, the most reliable data suggests that the percentage is slightly lower, around 70%. The World Factbook and various trade reports indicate that the U.S. remains Canada's largest trading partner, but the exact percentage can fluctuate based on economic conditions and trade policies.

The data from the U.S. Trade Representative and the Trade in Goods with Canada reports provide a solid basis for understanding the trade relationship. However, the claim's reliability is somewhat diminished due to the lack of a precise percentage in the most recent statistics. The assertion of 80% may stem from older data or estimates that have not been updated to reflect current trade patterns.

Moreover, the Wikipedia entry on Canada notes that while a significant portion of Canadian exports goes to the U.S., it does not specify the exact percentage, further indicating that the claim may be an oversimplification.

Conclusion

Verdict: Unverified
The claim that "about 80% of Canada’s exports go to the U.S." is not fully supported by current data, which suggests that the actual figure is closer to 70%. While the U.S. is indeed Canada's largest trading partner, the assertion lacks precision and may misrepresent the current trade dynamics. Therefore, it remains unverified.

Fact Check: About 80% of Canada’s exports go to the U.S.