Canada's automotive industry is closely connected to international trade. Vehicles, engines, parts and components produced in Canada are sold and shipped through a highly integrated North American and global supply chain.
The period from 2020 to 2026 shows how automotive exports changed during a period of major disruption and adjustment.
2020: The effect of the pandemic
In 2020, the global automotive industry experienced significant disruption. Vehicle manufacturing and international trade were affected by temporary plant closures, changes in consumer demand and interruptions in supply chains.
Canada's automotive exports were also affected by these conditions.
The effect was not limited to finished vehicles. Automotive parts and components also move through international supply chains, meaning that interruptions in one region can affect manufacturers in another.
2021 and 2022: Supply-chain pressure
During 2021 and 2022, the automotive industry faced continuing supply-chain challenges.
Semiconductor shortages were among the most widely reported issues. Manufacturers around the world adjusted production schedules as the availability of certain components affected vehicle production.
For Canada, this was important because automotive manufacturing is closely connected with the United States and other international markets.
2023 and 2024: Export activity continued
Statistics Canada data shows the continued importance of motor vehicles and parts in Canada's international trade.
These figures illustrate the scale of Canada's automotive trade.
2025: Continued movement in the sector
Available Statistics Canada data for 2025 continued to show substantial monthly trade in motor vehicles and parts.
Automotive exports can change for many reasons, including vehicle production schedules, demand in international markets, currency movements, supply-chain conditions and changes in trade activity.
2026: A changing export environment
By 2026, Canada's automotive export environment was developing within a changing global market.
Vehicle manufacturers and suppliers were operating in a market influenced by:
Electric vehicle production.
Battery manufacturing.
North American supply chains.
Changes in international trade.
New manufacturing investments.
Changes in global vehicle demand.
The automotive export story is therefore broader than the number of vehicles leaving Canada. It also includes the movement of parts, components, technology and materials throughout international manufacturing networks.
The importance of automotive exports
Canada's automotive export history shows the connection between domestic manufacturing and international markets.
From 2020 to 2026, the industry experienced disruption, supply shortages, production changes and technological development. The available data provides a way to follow how the value of automotive trade changed over time.