OTTAWA — Canada’s merchandise export values declined just slightly by 1.7 percent in September, while volumes remaining relatively unchanged since the beginning of 2010.

Automotive products and other consumer goods were the main factors behind the modest decline, reports Stats Canada.

Import volumes, meanwhile, fell 2.2 percent while prices increased 1.2 percent to $35.6 billion, the highest level since November 2008.

Industrial goods and materials and machinery and equipment, the two largest import sectors, recorded gains.

Exports to the U.S. specifically fell 3.6 percent to $23.9 billion, their lowest level since November 2009. The decrease largely reflected lower exports of passenger cars.

Imports of industrial goods and materials rose 5.6 percent to $7.6 billion, led by metals and metal ores. Imports of precious metals reached a record high, rising 38.6 percent to $1.0 billion.