Mineral Trade

Canadian trade statistics are compiled according to the General System of Trade as defined by the United Nations Statistics Division.

Statistics Canada’s International Accounts and Trade Division (IATD) compiles, analyzes and disseminates timely estimates of Canada’s merchandise exports and imports by partner country and commodity, as well as price and volume indices. General concepts for trade data are available from Statistics Canada. All goods are classified under the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System (HS).

Annual Statistics on Mineral Trade

Start here to download reports on the value of imports and exports for mineral and metal products, including by stage and total economy.

Stage I – Primary

Involves the discovery of ore, ore extraction and processing to the concentrate stage.

Stage II – Smelting and Refining

Refers to the metallurgical extraction process, the product of which is a relatively pure mineral, a metal, or an alloy. Some of the activities related to this stage are smelting and refining, roasting, calcining, direct reducing, and leaching.

Stage III – Semi-fabricated

Involves the manufacturing or processing steps needed to bring products to a semi-finished or semi-fabricated stage or form, or to a state for use as input in other industries.

Stage IV – Fabricated

Includes Stage III products that have undergone further processing, such as elements produced by the metal framing industry, hardware items, tools, and cutlery, as well pipe fittings, forged and cast parts, grinding balls, and rail parts.