/ By tjchinafreight ivy / Shipping

What does the Dominican Republic export?

What does the Dominican Republic export?
What does the Dominican Republic export?

Main export destinations

Dominican exports to North America are dominated by the United States and Canada

The United States remains the main importer of Dominican Republic exports, and if positive growth expectations are realized, economic growth in the United States as the Dominican Republic's main trading partner will drive the Dominican Republic's own growth.

Exports from the Dominican Republic to Europe

Switzerland, the Netherlands, the UK, Germany and Spain are the top five European business partners for the Dominican Republic. Overall, it is the Dominican Republic's second-largest export market after North America.

Traditional products such as cigars, cocoa beans, bananas and liqueurs make up the bulk of the Dominican Republic's exports to European countries. However, the variety of products exported to Europe has increased in recent years, from a concentrated model where five main products account for 80% of total exports to a diversified model with less reliance on a few products.

Medical devices, ferroalloys, footwear or plastics are some of the products that have begun to gain traction in Dominican exports to Europe in recent years. The Netherlands is the second largest customer of the footwear industry in the Dominican Republic and the third largest customer of plastic products.

Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands are the second, third and fourth largest importers of medical devices to the Dominican Republic, respectively. Needless to say, the heatmap of Dominican exports to Europe is changing.

Dominican Republic exports to Asia: India and China

Exports to India: a highly concentrated market

India is the fifth largest importer of goods from the Dominican Republic. Dominican exports to India were valued at $592 million in 2016, almost all of which came from three products: 90 percent from gold exports, 5.9 percent from ferroalloys and 1.8 percent from cocoa beans.

Exports to China: Raw Materials Continue to Dominate, Diversification Trend Begins

The trade balance between the Dominican Republic and China clearly favors the Asian powerhouse, with imports from the Dominican Republic accounting for 14% of the Dominican Republic's imports in 2016. On the other hand, Dominican exports to China accounted for only 1.4%. all.

However, despite the modest numbers in the context of mutual willingness and cooperation, exports to China continued to experience the greatest growth in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Exports of raw materials to China account for more than half of the export value. Exports of medical devices also played an important role, accounting for 10% of total exports, and China was the fourth largest importer of the industry.

/ By tjchinafreight ivy / Shipping

Exporter’s Responsibilities

Exporter's Responsibilities
Exporter's Responsibilities

Exporter's Responsibilities

1. Prepare the goods in time and receive the goods on the pre-agreed date

Unfortunately, it is very common for suppliers not to have their goods ready on the day of pickup. This snowballed and prevented loading onto the ship on the expected date. Here, the freight forwarder can notify and remind you of the upcoming pickup date. However, it is the exporter's responsibility to have the goods properly packaged and ready for pickup. If the exporter fails to comply with the pick-up date, he may have to wait two weeks until the next ship leaves. During those two weeks, a lot can happen, including supply chain disruptions and breaches of contracts with third parties.

In this case, freight forwarders can help find alternatives, such as loading the cargo on another vessel with a shorter transit time. But there may not always be a viable option for this situation. It is the supplier's responsibility to ensure that production is completed on time so that pick-up and loading dates can be determined.

2. Prepare and provide all necessary documents, especially if the goods require special permission to be transported

As an importer, you must always be aware of all necessary permits required for your goods. But the responsibility for providing these documents rests with the provider. If your provider is not responsible for this, you should consider switching providers. If you cannot rely on your provider to prepare these documents, it may be a sign that you cannot trust him.

Freight Forwarder Responsibilities

1. Pressure the shipping company to give you the space they need on board

With ships fully loaded, carriers end up having to prioritize certain cargoes. This caused some non-essential clients with whom they have no personal relationship to fail to load. The freight forwarder's role here is to negotiate with the liner to secure the space the importer needs. Note, however, that the freight forwarder's influence here is limited as the shipping company always has the final say.

2. Understand the importer's needs and advise him on the best shipping options

It is the freight forwarder's responsibility to know if a vessel will be transshipping on its route and to forward this information to its customers. This may seem like a small detail, but it makes a big logistical difference. Transshipment means that commodities are unloaded from one vessel and loaded onto another. This greatly increases the chance of unforeseen events and delays and the associated costs. Your freight forwarder should inform you of these details so that you can make an informed decision about your shipment.

3. Any additional paperwork required to check certain products with customs authorities

If you don't know if your item requires additional documentation to ship, you can provide the HS code of the product to your freight forwarder so that he can check with the relevant customs authorities.

The importance of small details

Make sure the Incoterms you have with your suppliers are properly reflected in your contracts and that providing accurate and accurate information may seem like trivial details. However, taking the time to do these things can help prevent unnecessary delays and complications. Small details are often the factor in whether you will incur additional charges or if your shipment is facing delays.

That said, keep in mind that you can take all precautions, but at the end of the day, your shipments are still subject to factors beyond your control. We recommend that you always purchase cargo insurance for extra protection, but be aware that this will only limit the blow. Knowing the responsibilities of the other parties involved will help you better communicate with them so they can stick with the deal until the end of the deal.

International shipping is a complex process and there is no magic formula that can be used to avoid complications. You can only do what you can control, which is to learn as much as possible, get along with trusted suppliers and freight forwarders, and avoid troublemakers. Most importantly, perform your duties.

/ By tjchinafreight ivy / Shipping

What does the US export?

What does the US export?
What does the US export?

 

The impact of the U.S. market on the global economy is undeniable. As the second largest exporter in the world (after China)

America's largest export partner

Its NAFTA neighbors Canada and Mexico continue to be the top U.S. export partners, with 30% of total U.S. exports going to these two countries. The bulk of these exports belong to the transport (vehicle parts, transport vehicles), minerals (refined petroleum) and machinery sectors (combustion engines, telephones, low voltage protection equipment).

U.S. state exports

Looking at U.S. state exports, airplanes, aircraft parts, and helicopters continue to dominate most state exports, with at least 17 of them being the main export.

The top 10 exporting states (excluding air exports) include Washington, California, Kentucky, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Louisiana, Texas, Nevada, and New York. Louisiana and Texas' top exports are oil, while Nevada and New York are gold and diamonds, respectively.

/ By tjchinafreight ivy / Shipping

5 common mistakes when importing from China

5 common mistakes when importing from China
5 common mistakes when importing from China

The separate import process can be complicated. Doing so in a country that speaks a completely different language and has completely different rules and regulations can be even more overwhelming.

China is the largest exporter in the world, whether you are a new importer from China or an experienced importer, you need to pay close attention to certain details that may affect your imports. Below is a list of the top 5 mistakes made when importing from China.

1. Don't know the way of doing business in China

You cannot do business without proper communication. This applies to any merchant from any country trying to make a business deal. China is a vast country with many different cultures, customs and languages. There are at least eight different language groups, not to mention hundreds of dialects. The official language is Mandarin, but that's not to say you need to be fluent in Mandarin to do business with a Chinese businessman (although this will help a lot in your case). However, if you want to build a long-term relationship with a Chinese businessman, going beyond basic introductory phrases can be very handy.

Also keep in mind Chinese culture and the way of doing business. What may seem polite to you may be rude to the Chinese, and vice versa, and you definitely don't want to lose the deal with an easily avoidable misunderstanding.

2. Not investigating applicable rules and regulations

Knowing the trade rules for the products you import is part of any import or export process. But when importing from China, it is best to take extra precautions. It is not uncommon for Chinese suppliers to produce goods that do not meet international standards. In fact, it has been reported that only 5% of Chinese suppliers in some industries actually meet the guidelines implemented by the EU.

Depending on your import destination, we recommend that you properly investigate not only the importing country's import laws, but also the regulations that apply to the product. This way, you know exactly what to look for when choosing a supplier in China to ensure that the products you import meet the correct standards. This helps prevent customs clearance and delay issues. Your country's chamber of commerce and customs office is a good resource for product guide information.

3. Selecting the wrong Incoterm

Incoterms are a clear set of conditions that both importers and exporters are obliged to comply with in any international transaction. This prevents misunderstanding and confusion about costs, risks, management and responsibilities. When importing from China, it is highly recommended to pay close attention to the pros and cons of the Incoterm you choose.

The three more common Incoterms used for importing from China are FOB, CIF and EXW Incoterm. However, each of them has advantages and disadvantages that can play a significant role in your total import cost. CIF Incoterm seems to be the better option because of its low cost and relatively less responsibilities. But this can backfire because with limited control, you'll most likely have to kowtow to all supplier decisions, which can end up costing you significantly. In general, we recommend choosing FOB Incoterm as this gives you more control over the entire import process and its costs.

4. Choose unreliable suppliers

As an importer, you are responsible for the products you import. This means that you are responsible for customs if anything goes wrong with your imports, and you are liable if your products cause harm to any consumers. That said, it is very important to choose a reliable supplier from China.

Before entering into an agreement with a supplier, make sure you have done proper research on their production process. This means knowing where it gets its material and even talking to other importers who import the same product or deal with the aforementioned suppliers. You may also want to visit the production site in person for extra assurance. Consider bringing in an expert who understands the production process of your imported product, so he can advise you on potential problems that may arise.

5. Not planning ahead

Time is an important consideration for any import you make from China. Any one of the above mistakes alone can cause a lot of delays and disruptions in your logistics chain, let alone two or more of them. With these in mind, always start planning your imports from China and allow extra time.

Ideally, you should book your cargo at least a few weeks before your vessel sails. This gives you extra time for your origin agents and suppliers to prepare all the required documentation in a timely manner, prepare for shipment, and allow a buffer of time should something go wrong. For the best shipping times and minimize hiccups, always check with your freight forwarder for the best ocean freight rates.

/ By tjchinafreight ivy / Shipping

China Golden Week: How logistics came to a standstill

China Golden Week: How logistics came to a standstill
China Golden Week: How logistics came to a standstill

What is China Golden Week?

As one of the largest and most important markets in the world, China's logistics infrastructure is under enormous pressure to maintain a certain level of productivity and efficiency to keep global supply chains functioning and stable.

From factories and warehouses to ports, docks and more, Chinese workers in all logistics industries work long hours throughout the year to ensure the maintenance of global supply networks.

But twice a year, the world's largest exporter allows itself a break.

Known in China as Golden Week, the country has two such week-long respites - once every six months.

The first, known as the Lunar New Year Golden Week, is in January/February at the beginning of the year, giving people time to celebrate the Lunar New Year.

The second, National Day Golden Week, is part of the country’s National Day celebrations and takes place in October – right in the middle of the peak shipping season.

Given China's impact on global markets and world trade, the week-long - albeit expected - lull threatens to disrupt global supply chain operations, ripple effects and logistical delays.

In this article, we will focus on the National Day Golden Week in October. But to understand how China's National Day Golden Week affects logistics, we must first dive into some basic facts about the holiday.

When is China's National Golden Week?

China's National Golden Week is held every year in the first week of October to celebrate the founding of the People's Republic of China.

Golden Week 2022 will run from October 1st to October 7th.

How does China's Golden Week affect logistics?

Demand for Chinese exports soared in the weeks leading up to China's Golden Week as companies tried to get their exports out before operations in the country shut down completely.

In response to the lack of activity, shipping lines often announce service cuts.

At the time of writing, two major shipping alliances have announced cuts to 15 weekly sailings from Asia to North America:

  • Nine o'clock to the west coast
  • Four to the east coast
  • Two go to the gulf coast

Even after Golden Week, capacity and personnel tend to remain limited, and production may slowly pick up. Carriers may also continue to cancel sailings in the coming weeks.

That said, failing to get your goods in and out of China ahead of the festivities can have dire consequences, as Golden Week delays can sometimes stretch for months.

For businesses, this can translate into potential contract breaches, accumulated delay charges, low sales figures, and more.

High demand and low availability

Demand for Chinese exports surged in the weeks leading up to the start of Golden Week.

That's in anticipation of the shutdown, as businesses importing from China try to get a spot on outgoing ships to ensure their goods leave the world's largest exporter before production halts.

In response to this growing demand, shipping lines have increased spot rates. Spot freight rates from China to the North American West Coast were at their highest level in two months as of early September.

Amid this boom, the industry is also facing shortages of containers, slots, truckers and everything in between. Shippers should be prepared to go the extra mile to ensure not only a slot on a container ship, but also cover for the equipment they need for transportation.

In addition to the standard General Rate Increase (GRI), there are other surcharges to consider.

Given the higher demand for Chinese exports compared to Chinese imports, there is often an urgent need to return containers to terminals to manage demand in Chinese ports.

At this point, carriers began implementing surcharges such as equipment imbalance surcharge (EIS) to compensate for the cost of returning empty containers to Chinese ports to meet export demand.

/ By tjchinafreight ivy / Shipping

What are India’s main exports?

What are India's main exports?
What are India's main exports?

A country's exports are better understood when you can see the overall economy's exports. In this article, we will examine the top five export products from India and the current market conditions for each export category.

As a member of the Brazil, Russia, India and China (BRIC) economies, India is emerging as a significant player in the global and national markets. It is currently the 17th largest exporting economy in the world. This status gives India the foothold it needs to remain competitive in international trade.

India's exports have seen impressive growth over the past five years - an annual rate of 1.2% - which created a negative trade balance of $125B in 2017. According to the OEC, India's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is $2,6T while GDP per capita in 2017 was $7,06K.

What does India export?

India's main exports (currency shown in US dollars) include:

  • Refined Petroleum ($30.2B)
  • Diamond ($26.5B)
  • Packaged Drugs ($13.2B)
  • Jewelry {$8.66B)
  • Rice ($7.05B)

As you can see, refined oil accounts for a large portion of India's main exports. In fact, it accounted for 10.3% of the country's total exports, closely followed by diamonds at 9.1%.

Some thoughts and reflections on India's main exports

Many initiatives are aimed at increasing India's major exports and major imports. Government efforts, planning and strategies have largely contributed directly to overall growth, and the world has taken note of India as a true economic powerhouse.

Government benefits include export programs, financial assistance and other state-mandated benefits provided by the Indian government to its economy. So far, everything is heading in the right direction, including increasing exports for the foreseeable future.

Although India is one of the largest economies in the world, it is interesting that the government has created an economic platform that encourages progress in India. Away from the country's developing external environment, India is using its unique market position to compete in a rapidly globalized network of global exporters.

All in all, India also has a robust economic approach to responding to unexpected external forces. Its main exports are viable, limited natural resources, or they align with current demand for retail products around the world. In short, India's efforts to actively manage its imports and exports are paying off, making it a smart choice for international business.

/ By tjchinafreight ivy / Shipping

Shipping to China – Tips and Process

Shipping to China - Tips and Process
Shipping to China - Tips and Process

Despite the current uncertainty surrounding the trade relationship between the U.S. and China, the Asian giant remains the largest importer of U.S. goods on the other side of the Pacific.

China accounts for 11% of total U.S. exports.

That may not seem like much, but it's certainly impressive considering its neighbors Japan and South Korea account for only 5.3% and 3.9% of U.S. exports, respectively - their combined share is still lower than China's share.

The product categories that the U.S. exports the most to China include transportation (21 percent), machinery (19 percent), and vegetable products (11 percent). Here's a breakdown of each category.

Tips for Shipping to China

As a booming economy, China certainly has many business opportunities. However, there are certain aspects of shipping to China that you should keep in mind to ensure a seamless shipping process.

1. Keep abreast of trade war developments

As the U.S.-China trade war continues and signs of volatility in its outcome, it's important to keep an eye on the news. This will allow you to anticipate any increases in responsibilities and better prepare you for them.

The tit-for-tat tariff increase is a problem for shippers on both sides. Even though the tariff hike may not target the products you're shipping to China, and it won't directly affect you, it may affect shipping capacity and rates, which can directly affect your supply chain.

2. Check your calendar

If you are an inexperienced shipper, it may interest you that for two full weeks throughout the calendar year, port and logistics activity in China is almost completely stopped.

These are called Golden Weeks. The first occurs at the beginning of the year, usually in January or February, to celebrate the Lunar New Year. The second Golden Week commemorates China's National Day and takes place in the first week of October.

During this period, it is not possible to transport goods into or out of the country. Note that the weeks around Golden Week could also be problematic due to the import and export boom before the country shut down, and the time it would take to recover once operations resume.

3. Familiar with special economic zones

China currently has 12 Special Economic Zones (SEZs) that U.S. exporters should take advantage of if they are not already doing so, as doing business in China can be particularly complex.

These special zones allow goods to be processed (stored, manufactured, re-exported) without paying import duties and taxes and are part of the reforms set up by the Chinese government to open up the Chinese economy. It also speeds up the customs clearance process, adding more flexibility to your supply chain.

In addition, these SEZs are mostly located along the coast to facilitate the movement of goods in and out of China's many shipping ports.

4. Cooperation with freight forwarders

Trying to navigate China's import regulations can be very frustrating, especially if you're not familiar with the language. It also doesn't help that the information can be very contradictory depending on where you get it from.

To avoid complications, we recommend that you always book your ocean freight services to China with a reputable forwarder who has extensive experience and a proven track record on the specific route you are interested in.

Not only will they be able to properly guide you through China-specific import regulations, but they can also advise you on prohibited items and help you with the paperwork you need to avoid customs issues.

5. Check if your shipment needs CCC

The China Compulsory Certification (CCC) mark, as the name suggests, is a compulsory certification for more than 132 products (including auto parts, medical equipment, electrical equipment, etc.) imported into China.

The CCC mark is China's quality control method, and it is estimated that one-fifth of US exports to China require the CCC mark. Any lack of the CCC mark may result in the goods being held by customs or returned to the shipper at origin and subject to heavy fines.

Before exporting, please make an effort to check whether your goods require CCC. Please note that applications for the CCC mark may take up to 90 days or more to process.

Also, always keep in mind that no matter where you're shipping to, there are certain steps you absolutely must take if you're dealing with hazardous materials.

/ By tjchinafreight ivy / Shipping

Importing from India: Shipping Tips

Importing from India: Shipping Tips
Importing from India: Shipping Tips

As one of the most important emerging markets in the world, opportunities to do business with India abound.

Imported from India: Top products imported by global buyers

In 2017, the South Asian country exported $292 billion worth of goods, with chemicals, precious metals and textiles being its top three exports. These goods accounted for 14%, 13% and 13% of India's imports, respectively, and 40% of all imports.

Tips to help you import from India to the US

The potential to do business, grow and scale in India is certainly something American buyers are not only aware of, but also capitalizing on.

The United States is currently India's largest trading partner, with some $51.6 billion worth of Indian exports being sold to the United States across nearly half the world. This accounted for 16% of India's total exports, more than the combined value of goods exported to India's second and third largest trading partners, the United Arab Emirates (9%) and China (5.1%), respectively.

Among India's imports to the US, chemicals, precious metals and textiles accounted for more than half of the total value of India's imports to the US, respectively 20%, 19% and 16%.

As a shipper looking to import from India, here are five things to know.

1. Familiarize yourself with "interstate taxes"

The Indian government imposes so-called "interstate taxes" on goods shipped from one state to another (there are 29 states in India). So, if your cargo needs to be transported from the hinterland to the port, keep in mind that interstate taxes will apply.

Whether this will be borne by you or the shipper will depend on the Incoterm selected.

2. Review your suppliers

While unreliable suppliers from anywhere in the world are often encountered, India has a reputation for questionable business ethics. When choosing a supplier from India, it doesn't hurt to go the extra mile to vet them.

You can do this by calling them instead of dealing with them via email. You may also want to consider traveling there yourself if your business expenses allow it. Requesting product samples is also a great way to ensure you are dealing with a reliable supplier.

3. Take advantage of its low manufacturing costs

Due to the relatively low cost of manufacturing in India, you may want to consider sourcing more from India rather than other manufacturers or sellers closer to home.

Even accounting for shipping costs, the total cost of importing from India to the U.S. may still be lower than producing the product domestically.

4. Book your shipment in advance and ship it by rail if possible

Logistics in India can be a nightmare. This is thanks to traffic congestion in Mumbai, home to the country's largest port, Jawaharlal Nehru Port. It is not uncommon for trucks to fail to reach the port in time due to traffic jams.

As a workaround, you should always book shipments at least two weeks in advance. If ground transportation is required, consider choosing rail instead of truck to avoid road congestion.

5. Language is not a barrier

Shippers looking to import from India will be happy to know that although Hindi is the most widely spoken language in the country, English is generally considered the language in which business transactions are conducted in India.

This will help facilitate communication and avoid misunderstandings.

/ By tjchinafreight ivy / Shipping

What are Australia’s main import and export commodities?

What are Australia's main import and export commodities?
What are Australia's main import and export commodities?

According to the Economic Complexity Index (ECI), Australia exports $234 billion in goods, making it the 20th largest exporting economy in the world. As a desert continent, Australia relies heavily on the coastal economy as a source of income to maintain its population.

Australia is also regarded by ECI as the world's 22nd largest importer, with total annual imports of $199 billion. However, this figure is the result of a steady decline in imports over the past five years. In terms of wealth per capita, Australia is the second richest country after Switzerland.

What does Australia export?

Australia's main export is iron ore, followed by coal, gold and oil, the other most valuable exports. These exports alone amounted to $48.2 billion, $47 billion, $29.1 billion and $20.3 billion, respectively. Of course, the country also ships other notable items, including food, wine, and cars.

What does Australia import?

In 2018, Australia imported about $227.3 billion worth of goods from around the world. The country's imports account for only 1.3 percent of total global imports, estimated at around $17.788 trillion. Oil and crude oil and cars appear to be Australia's main imports.

Australia's largest imports alone were valued at about $187.5 billion, equivalent to 82.5% of its total imports. Other notable growth in Australia's imports include furniture, bedding, lighting, signage, prefabricated buildings, plastics and plastic products.

Australia is known for its uninterrupted annual economic growth, growing steadily at around 3% per year. Its strong economy is largely due to deep trade ties with the Asian region and its largest iron ore export, accounting for more than 30% of the world's iron ore supply.

/ By tjchinafreight ivy / Shipping

What are Canada’s major exports and imports?

What are Canada's major exports and imports?
What are Canada's major exports and imports?

As one of the most prosperous countries in the world, Canada has excellent trade relations with the United States, South and Central American countries and Europe, which are Canada's bilateral trading partners.

Historically, Canada has relied heavily on trade and commerce to grow its economy, exporting large quantities of raw materials, including animal skins, fish, lumber and grain. But over time, they have shifted from reliance on raw material exports to exporting more manufactured and processed goods that can bring in better income because they are more expensive.

Main export

Car

Canada is one of the world's top four auto exporters after Germany, Japan and the United States. As the ninth largest auto producer in the world, the country has a huge advantage in exporting vehicles to multiple markets. Canada's auto industry has many assembly plants where foreign automakers assemble vehicles, with the biggest customers being Japanese and U.S. brands.

The country also has hundreds of companies and factories that manufacture automotive systems and components, creating a favorable environment for the development of the automotive manufacturing and assembly industry. In fact, it is because of this that automobile assembly and manufacturing are the industrial backbone of the nation's economy. It accounts for 23% of Canada's trade with other countries.

Canada produces all types of vehicles, from trucks and passenger cars to buses and the supporting systems and parts required.

Minerals

Canada exports three minerals: precious metals such as gold, platinum, diamonds and silver; energy minerals such as coal and uranium; base metals such as copper, nickel, zinc, iron and lead; and industrial minerals such as gypsum, limestone, potash and rock salt.

Canada is located on nearly 10 million kilometers of land and has six distinct geological regions. The Canadian continental shelf is the source of the country's oil and natural gas. These metals are mainly found in the central and western regions of the country that make up the Canadian Shield. The area has the potential to discover more deposits. The Appalachian region has deposits of potash, gypsum, asbestos lead, zinc, and salt. More gypsum, limestone and rock salt have been found in the Inuit orogenic belt in the Arctic archipelago. The Canadian mountains produce more precious and base metals, which the country exports, and internal platforms increase reserves of potash, natural gas, oil and coal.

With all these deposits, Canada is a major exporter and overall producer of potash, the largest exporter of uranium, the second largest exporter of asbestos and sulfur, and the third largest exporter of platinum group metals. They are the fourth largest aluminum producer and the fifth largest exporter of gold, silver, copper and lead. 90% of the country's minerals are exported.

Crude

Canada is a major foreign supplier of U.S. crude oil, exporting 48% of U.S. crude oil imports in 2018. The country exports 96 percent of its crude oil to its neighbors, totaling 3.5 million barrels of oil per day.

Canada's Alberta oil sands hold the country's oil reserves, with even more reserves on its Atlantic coast. The country is the world's third-largest crude oil producer and exporter after Venezuela and Saudi Arabia. They invest in the exploration, production and processing of petroleum with domestic and international consumption implications.

Wood

Softwoods account for 20 percent of the country's total exports. Their forest products generate $17 billion worth of revenue, particularly from newsprint, northern bleached softwood kraft pulp and softwood lumber. Canada dominates the market share of these products and is the largest producer and exporter of the three. Although the decline in newspaper sales in North America has led to reduced demand for newsprint, the country still enjoys demand from other emerging markets in Asia and the rest of the world.

The United States, China and Japan are major importers of Canadian lumber for use in the construction industry in these countries.

Main import

Auto and auto parts

Canada, the second-largest auto market in North America, saw its auto industry-related imports increase by 1% in 2018. They import cars worth $74 billion, with passenger cars the most. As the country is upgrading its road transport system, the country also imports trucks, buses and other vehicles for transport.

Canada's main exporter is the United States, which provides more than 65 percent of the country's auto imports. Auto parts and systems cost Canada $20 billion in 2018. Importing from the U.S. is easier for Canada because the two countries have very coordinated road safety regulations for their vehicles.

Computer machinery

In Canada, computers are key components that drive machinery. They import a lot of computer machines as the country is highly automated and computerized in key areas that drive the economy. Machinery is the key to technology, and as a first world country, Canada relies heavily on technology.

These computers are also widely used by Canadians to run businesses. The country's imports of computer mechanical and optical readers increased by 8.7 units in 2018.