Essential to Canada's trade to support its people, importing and exporting is an important employment sector, especially in Quebec.
If you are looking for an import and export job in Montreal, Fed Supply tells you more about the sector to sharpen your search and better identify national needs.
What is import and export?
Import and export refers to the activity of selling and buying goods or services between different countries. This trade activity is a key component of the global economy, allowing countries to leverage their comparative advantages and meet the needs of consumers around the world.
What is the difference between import and export
Importing is buying foreign products to sell in one's home country, while exporting is selling domestic products abroad.
The impact of import and export on the Canadian economy
Importing and exporting are key components of the Canadian economy, which is largely dependent on trade with the rest of the world.
Here is some general information about importing and exporting in Canada:
- Canada is the 12th largest exporter in the world, with exports totalling approximately $400 billion in 2020.
- Canada's main export products include petroleum products, automotive, forest products, metals and minerals, machinery and equipment, and agricultural and fish products.
- Canada's major trading partners are the United States, China, the United Kingdom, Japan and Mexico. The United States is by far Canada's largest trading partner, accounting for approximately 75% of Canadian exports.
- Canada is also a major importer of goods, with imports totalling approximately $500 billion in 2020. Major imports include crude oil, motor vehicles, machinery and equipment, pharmaceuticals and electronics.
- Canada's imports come primarily from the United States, China, Mexico, Germany and Japan.
The export-import industry is an important sector of the Canadian economy, creating jobs and generating revenue for businesses and the government.
Does Canada import or export more?
Canada's trade balance was positive by C$300M in December 2022, with exports amounting to C$58.7B and imports at C$58.4B. It can therefore be said that, to date, Canada exports more than it imports.
What is the most important Canadian export product?
Crude oil has the highest value of any product exported by Canada. Canada is one of the world's largest exporters of crude oil, ranking 4th behind the United States, Saudi Arabia and Russia.
Vehicles and auto parts are also among Canada's most important exports. We can also mention wheat and canola seeds.
And what about Quebec as a province? The major import and export destination in Quebec is, not surprisingly, the United States.
What does Quebec export?
Quebec exports many products, which is why import and export is a strong sector here.
Maple syrup
It is not a myth, maple syrup is among the most exported products from Quebec. An estimated 71% of the world's maple syrup production comes from the province, making it the leading producer of this delicious liquid.
Pork
To the United States, Quebec exports in top 1 of pork. In fact, pork meat represents 20% of Quebec's exported products. Japan is also a large consumer!
Raw aluminum
Also, Quebec exports aluminum in unwrought form. The value is estimated at $7.1 billion, or 10% of the export market share.
Other products include newsprint, flight simulators and ranks number one in the world for these products. Quebec also exports beverages and fermented beverages, and this constitutes 5% of the world share.
What does Quebec import?
Quebec not only exports, but imports to meet its own needs.
Biofood products
Among the most imported biofood products, we record beverages, dairy products, fruits and vegetables as well as cocoa and cocoa preparations.
It is logical to mention fruits and vegetables since Quebec's temperatures limit crops. Mostly of American origin, we find peppers and tomatoes.
That said, and surprisingly, Quebec imports mostly processed products, such as candy or alcoholic beverages.
Foreign cars and vehicles, including trucks
A large quantity of motor vehicles each year is imported to meet the needs of its population and industry. Most imported vehicles come from the United States, but also from other countries such as Japan, Germany, and South Korea. Trucks are also imported, to transport goods.
Electronic products
Computers, cell phones, televisions, communication equipment... all products imported from Asia, especially China and Japan.
The information in The Government's Notebook 2022 Edition will tell you more if you're curious.
How do imports and exports create jobs in Quebec
In Quebec, 1,128,689 jobs are generated according to Institut de la statistique du Québec, 621,770 of which involve exports to foreign countries while 506,919 involve exports to other provinces in Canada.
Fed Supply assists you in your import and export job search
The import and export in Canada, and more specifically in Quebec, is a real sector continuously growing, necessary and interesting to better grasp the economy of the province.
If you are looking for a candidate in import and export, you can entrust us with a position so that we can meet your needs together. And if you are looking to apply in the sector, do not hesitate to consult our job offers at Fed Supply or to submit your spontaneous application.
