Canada Postpones Trade Data Indefinitely on U.S. Shutdown

(Bloomberg) — Canada’s statistics agency will stop releasing monthly merchandise trade data indefinitely because of the U.S. government shutdown.

Statistics Canada said Thursday the next trade report, due Feb. 5, won’t be published as scheduled. The delay will likely last until after the U.S. Census Bureau resumes normal operations. Since 1990, the Canadian agency has been using U.S. figures to calculate the nation’s exports to its biggest trading partner.

“Trade statistics without Canada’s exports to the U.S. have limited use as a current economic indicator, as these exports represent approximately 75 percent of Canada’s total exports,” the Ottawa-based agency said.

The merchandise trade figures are crucial as a gauge of the state of the nation’s economy, and are watched closely by investors. The statistics agency said it will publish fourth quarter gross domestic product data as scheduled because it has the first two months of trade data already.

Other options for the trade data may be considered if the U.S. shutdown drags on, it said.

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