The Sources of Canada’s Top Imports

Electronics and Machinery: $190 billion | US$135.4 billion

This category covers a wide range of products, including computers, telecommunications equipment, industrial machinery, appliances, parts, and electronic components. In 2024, Canada spent over $80 billion on machine imports alone, making it one of the countries with the largest trade deficits in electronics and machinery.

Primary Sources: China, United States, Mexico, and Vietnam

• China is Canada’s largest source of electronics and machinery because of its manufacturing sector. The Pearl River Delta is one of the world's strongest electronics production regions, with Huawei headquartered in Shenzhen and iPhone manufacturer Foxconn in Guangzhou. Chinese-made computers, appliances, machine parts, and electronic parts move through global supply chains before reaching the Canadian market.

• The United States and Canada operate within closely connected industrial supply chains. Canada imports a large amount of machinery and equipment from American brands such as Caterpillar, John Deere, Rockwell Automation, Honeywell, GE, and Cisco. That means shorter transportation routes and easier coordination across the border.

• Mexico has become a major source of electronics and machinery because of its growing manufacturing base. Guadalajara is often called Mexico’s “Silicon Valley” because of its concentration of electronics and tech manufacturing. International companies such as Flex, Jabil, Foxconn, Intel, and IBM operate in Mexico’s electronics sector.

• Vietnam has become a notable source of electronics as companies expand across Asia. Samsung has a major presence in Vietnam, especially in phone and display production. LG, Foxconn, Luxshare, and Intel are also tied to Vietnam’s growing electronics manufacturing base.

Vehicles and Transportation: C$130 billion | US$92.7 billion

Canada’s vehicle imports mainly focus on cars, trucks, SUVs, and parts. However, this category also includes tractors, aircraft, ships, and railway and tram vehicles.

Primary Sources: United States, Mexico, Japan, and South Korea

• The North American auto industry is highly interconnected. Companies such as Ford, General Motors, Stellantis, Toyota, Honda, and Tesla all have large-scale U.S. manufacturing operations. Vehicle imports from the United States regularly include finished vehicles, commercial trucks, engines, and parts.

• Mexico has become one of the largest vehicle manufacturing centers in North America. Major automakers have established facilities there, including Volkswagen, Audi, Nissan, General Motors, Ford, Toyota, and BMW. These plants produce a wide range of cars, trucks, and SUVs, as well as parts, for export to Canada.

• Japan has a long history as a global vehicle exporter, and Canadian consumers are very familiar with Japanese brands. Companies like Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Mazda, and Subaru have helped make Japan a steady source of passenger vehicles, hybrid vehicles, engines, and automotive technology. For Canada, Japanese vehicle imports are tied to consumer demand for safe, reliable passenger vehicles and specialized automotive engineering.

• In 2024, South Korea became Canada’s fastest-growing vehicle import origin, driven by brands like Hyundai and Kia. Hyundai’s Ulsan complex is also one of the largest automotive manufacturing sites in the world. South Korea supplies Canada with passenger vehicles, SUVs, electric vehicles, and automotive components.

Chemical Products and Pharmaceuticals: C$74.1 billion | US$52.8 billion

This category includes a mixed lineup of medications, active ingredients, specialty chemicals, industrial materials, and healthcare products. Canada typically imports these goods from countries with strong research and manufacturing.

Primary Sources: United States, Germany, Switzerland, Ireland

• The United States is Canada's largest supplier of chemical products and pharmaceuticals due to the shared border. Medicines and vaccines are commonly imported from American companies such as Pfizer, Merck, Johnson & Johnson, Eli Lilly, Dow, DuPont, 3M, and AbbVie. For Canada, U.S. imports also include medical products, specialty chemicals, industrial inputs, and raw chemicals used by manufacturers.
• Germany is one of the world’s strongest chemical and pharmaceutical producers. Companies such as Bayer and Boehringer Ingelheim are closely tied to Germany’s strength in pharmaceuticals, specialty chemicals, crop science, and industrial materials. For Canada, Germany is an important source of products that require advanced manufacturing and specialized chemical expertise.
• Switzerland is one of the world's leading pharmaceutical producers, home to healthcare-focused companies like Roche, Novartis, Lonza, and Sandoz. These Swiss pharmaceutical and chemical companies are known for research-driven products, advanced treatments, and high-value manufacturing. For Canada, Switzerland is the fastest-growing import origin in this sector, with growth of 23.9% from 2023 to 2024.
• Ireland has become one of Canada’s top sources of chemical products and pharmaceuticals due to its strong life sciences manufacturing base. Leading manufacturers include Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson, Eli Lilly, AbbVie, and MSD. These companies combine large-scale production with Ireland’s strict regulations.

Mineral Products and Fuels: C$55.7 billion | US$39.7 billion

Mineral products include crude oil, refined petroleum products, natural gas-related materials, and other energy resources. These imports support transportation, manufacturing, heating, and industrial activity. Although the overall dollar amount was too low to make this list, Canada increased its mineral imports from Ecuador by 116% over the course of one year.

Primary Sources: United States, Saudi Arabia, and Nigeria

• The U.S. and Canada share extensive energy infrastructure. Shared pipelines, rail networks, marine terminals, and refinery connections all support the movement of crude oil, refined products, and energy-related materials. Companies like ExxonMobil, Chevron, Marathon Petroleum, Phillips 66, and ConocoPhillips are major American energy companies focused on production, refining, and distribution. For Canada, U.S. energy imports are usually connected to regional supply needs and established cross-border logistics networks.
• Saudi Arabia is one of the world's largest petroleum producers. Much of the country’s oil production is concentrated in the Eastern Province, including major production areas and export infrastructure linked to Saudi Aramco.
• Nigeria is one of Africa's largest oil-producing nations. Shell, ExxonMobil, and Chevron all operate in its oil sector. Nigerian crude grades, including light sweet crudes, have historically been used by refineries because of their quality and refining characteristics. These crude oils get processed into gasoline, kerosene, and high-quality diesel for Canadian usage.

Metals: C$49.5 billion | US$35.3 billion

Metals support construction, manufacturing, transportation, infrastructure, and industrial production. Canada imports metals from countries that produce large volumes of steel, aluminum, specialty metals, and processed metal products.

Primary Sources: United States, China, and Sweden

• The United States supplies a wide range of metal products to Canada, including steel, aluminum, and other processed materials. U.S. metals are often used in Canadian construction, manufacturing, automotive production, infrastructure, and industrial equipment.
• China has invested significantly in its mining sector, making it one of the world's largest producers of metals and metal products. Chinese mining companies produce a wide range of metals and sell them at competitive prices, including steel, aluminum, and rare-earth metals. Canadian imports from China include steel, aluminum, fabricated metal components, and industrial materials used across manufacturing and construction.
• Canada’s metal imports from Sweden increased by 31.5% from 2023 to 2024. The country has built a reputation for high-quality steel and specialty metal products. Sweden is especially known for advanced metal products used in demanding industrial applications. Canada often sources Swedish metals for applications that require durability and precision.

Canada’s top imports show how much the country depends on both North American trade partners and overseas suppliers. Each of these countries plays a different part in ensuring products are available to Canadian businesses and consumers.

Behind each of Canada’s imports is a larger logistics network involving ports, warehouses, and transportation providers. Axis supports that movement with warehousing, transport coordination, and logistics services. We help freight move efficiently from origin to destination.