OTTAWA, Ont. — Canadian merchandise exporters finished 2003 on a positive note, reporting a 3.6% gain in their shipments abroad for December, despite a Canadian dollar that hit decade-high levels, Statistics Canada reports.

Total imports edged up 0.7%, their second consecutive monthly rise.

Canadian companies exported $33.4 billion in goods in December, led by strong automotive exports, which accounted for nearly one-half of the total gain in foreign-bound goods. Total imports reached $28.0 billion on strong energy imports.

Except for a decline in trade with the European Union, export and import values increased with every major trading region.

The United States purchased $27.1 billion worth of Canadian merchandise in December, up 2.1% from November. In turn, Canada imported $19.5 billion from south of the border, up 0.6%.