Canada's trade surplus rises to $1.4 billion in February

ISTANBUL

Canada's trade surplus increased to $1.4 billion in February, according to figures released Thursday by Statistics Canada.

The expectation was for the figure to come in at $0.7 billion, while the trade surplus in January stood at $608 million.

Total exports rose 5.8% in February, the largest percentage increase since last August; while imports rose 4.6%, the statistical body said in a statement.

"Overall, increases were observed in 9 of the 11 product sections," it said.

"Crude oil imports, which were up 9.0%, contributed the most to the increase," it added.