Both domestic and international trade continue to have a huge impact on Canadian transportation. Continuing globalization of the world economy will only enhance transportation's vital role in all trade activity.
Transportation is critical to any trade transaction.
Canada's open economy needs transportation for shipping commodities to, and receiving them from, other countries, as well as for moving goods within or between provinces. The close link between trade and transportation therefore means that the growth and structure of trade influence not only the growth in transport demand, but also the choice of modes. This chapter examines Canada's domestic and international trade and its relationship with transportation, primarily for the period of 1992-1998. Note 1 moved within and between provinces. Note 2 International trade with the US and other countries is examined both in terms of composition of goods and services carried, and in modal choice.