OTTAWA, Ont. — Energy imports, as well as automotive imports, were up in November, allowing total import values to edge up 0.4% despite a large drop in industrial goods and materials, Statistics Canada reports.

After reaching a record high level in October, industrial goods and materials were down 4.4% in November to $6.9 billion dollars. Imports of metals and metal ores declined 7.9% and chemicals and plastics fell 3.8% for the month, following large orders of zinc, copper, as well as chemicals for pharmaceutical manufacturing in October.

Imports of energy products registered gains of 8.3% in November to reach $2.6 billion, following large drops in September and October. Imports were up for crude petroleum, heating and diesel fuel, as well as natural gas, however, values remained well below the August record high for energy imports of $3.4 billion.

A 6.1% increase in imports of motor vehicle parts pushed imports of automotive products up for the month. Imports of parts have registered declines since July. Imports of passenger autos and trucks were down 0.7% and 1.3% respectively.
Imports of consumer goods inched up to a record high of $4.4 billion on the strength of toys and televisions. In contrast, imports of machinery and equipment were down 0.4% to $9.6 billion.

Imports of agricultural products were stable at $2.0 billion. Within agricultural products, coffee imports grew 7.4% to $348 million; however, this increase was offset by widespread declines in other agricultural products.