OTTAWA — Canada’s merchandise exports declined for the second straight month in April — by a modest 1 percent — while imports fell 2.2 percent, as a result of lower prices.

Volumes, meanwhile, rose for a third consecutive month, albeit at a slower pace than in the previous periods, reports Stats Canada.

Industrial goods and materials accounted for three-quarters of the decline in exports. Widespread gains in exports of machinery and equipment moderated the overall decrease.

Exports to the U.S. rose 0.7 percent while imports grew 0.9 percent.

Exports to countries other than the U.S. declined 5.5 percent, largely the result of a 23.4 percent decline in business with the European Union.