Statistics Canada reported a C$1.78 billion surplus, versus February's C$5.11 billion deficit, while exports rose 8.5% to C$72.8 billion and beat forecasts for a C$2.88 billion deficit.
Exports were lifted by a 24% surge in metal and non-metallic products and a 15.6% rise in energy exports, while imports fell and the surplus with the US reached C$7.1 billion.
Shipments to non-US markets rose 9.1% to a record, cutting the US export share to a record-low 66.7%, as tariffs and demand for resources supported Canada's trade diversification.
Is Canada's trade surplus a sign of health or a dangerous reliance on volatile, war-driven commodity prices?
Can Canada's 'Buy Canadian' strategy shield its economy from the looming USMCA showdown with the United States?