Canadian export numbers fall

Canadian exporters have hit a snag after years of free trade agreements, and a report suggests businesses should look outside traditional export partners for further growth.

The CIBC says that, despite 9 free trade agreements, the volume of Canadian exports has declined to about the same level it was a decade ago. It suggests part of the reason is that Canadian exporters have been squarely focused on China and the United States. The report also says stagnant growth can’t solely be blamed on the strength of the loonie, citing other factors, including the struggling U.S. economy and heightened competition from emerging markets.