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Businesses Brace for More Uncertainty: Key Findings from Business Insights Quarterly (Q2 2025)

As 2025 progresses, Canadian businesses — especially goods exporters — face mounting headwinds.
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Economic Commentary

Sep 05, 2025

Labour Force Survey August 2025: Labour market concerns on the rise

Well, here’s a hit we’ve all been anticipating. The impact of tariffs and economic disruption is starting to show, and the numbers are worrying. Canada’s August Labour Force release makes it clear. What’s most troubling is that the pain isn’t just in export-heavy sectors like manufacturing and trade, but also in areas like tech, professional services, and even education. Add in a weak job market for young Canadians, and the warning lights are flashing.
Economic Commentary

Sep 04, 2025

Merchandise Trade July 2025: Canada’s Trade Deficit Narrows in July

In July, merchandise exports rose 0.9% to $61.9 billion, while imports dipped 0.7% to $66.8 billion. The goods trade deficit narrowed from $6.0 billion in June to $4.9 billion. Exports to the U.S. climbed 5.0% to $45.1 billion (–10.3% y/y), while non-U.S. exports fell 8.6% to $16.7 billion. With services exports up and services imports down, the combined goods-and-services deficit narrowed to $4.4 billion.
Economic Commentary

Aug 29, 2025

Q2 GDP sees exports fall off a cliff, while domestic economy holds ground.

Canada’s economy contracted by 1.6% on an annualized basis in Q2 2025 as the U.S. tariffs slam exports.
Economic Commentary

Aug 22, 2025

Retail Sales June 2025: Broad-based rebound as core sales strengthen

Quarterly momentum improved: Q2 retail sales rose 0.4% in nominal terms and 0.7% in volume—an improvement on Q1’s softer profile—signaling a firmer goods-consumption lift to Q2 GDP, though the July advance estimate points to a muted start to Q3.
Economic Commentary

Aug 19, 2025

July 2025 CPI: Inflation cools off in the summer heat.

Canada’s inflation decelerated from 1.9% in June to 1.7% in July, on lower gasoline prices. Overall, recent price acceleration took a pause and there are some encouraging signs of price stability in light of the trade war.

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