Quebec's Major Imports: What the Province Brings In

Quebec's Import Profile: $200+ Billion Annually

As Canada's second-largest economy, Quebec imports vast quantities of goods it doesn't produce or produces insufficiently. Key categories (by value):

1. Machinery & Equipment (~$45B)

• Industrial machinery, turbines, pumps, compressors
• Computers, servers, telecommunications gear
• Construction & mining equipment
• Top sources: USA, China, Germany, Mexico, Japan

2. Transportation Equipment (~$35B)

• Passenger vehicles (cars, SUVs, trucks)
• Auto parts (engines, transmissions, electronics)
• Aerospace components (pratt & Whitney Canada imports)
• Top sources: USA, Mexico, Germany, Japan, South Korea

3. Chemicals & Plastics (~$25B)

• Pharmaceuticals (finished doses, APIs)
• Plastic resins, synthetic rubber
• Fertilizers, industrial chemicals
• Top sources: USA, Ireland, Switzerland, Germany, China

4. Food & Beverages (~$15B)

• Fresh fruits/vegetables (year-round supply: citrus, berries, tomatoes)
• Processed foods, snacks, beverages
• Meat (beef, pork), seafood
• Top sources: USA, Mexico, Chile, Peru, Spain, Italy

5. Consumer Goods (~$12B)

• Clothing, footwear, textiles
• Furniture, lighting, home decor
• Toys, games, sports equipment
• Top sources: China, Vietnam, Bangladesh, USA, Italy

6. Energy Products (~$10B)

• Crude oil (for refineries: Valero, Suncor Montreal)
• Refined petroleum (gasoline, diesel, jet fuel)
• Natural gas (winter peaks)
• Sources: USA, Saudi Arabia, Algeria, Nigeria, UK

Trade Context

• USA: ~65% of imports (integrated supply chains)
• China: ~10% (consumer goods, electronics)
• Mexico: ~5% (auto, agri-food)
• CUSMA/CPTPP/CETA provide preferential access
• Montreal Port & Dorval Airport = key gateways

Quebec's imports reflect its advanced manufacturing base (needs inputs), climate (needs food/energy), and consumer demand. Export strengths (aerospace, aluminum, hydro power, pharma) finance this import bill.