It was a third straight trade deficit for Canada, and a much bigger shortfall than the C$1.5 billion economists expected.

Sales of vehicles made in Canada plunged by nearly 23 percent in April after President Trump imposed a 25 percent auto tariff.

The U.S. trade deficit narrowed sharply in April, with imports decreasing by the most on record as the front-running of goods ahead of tariffs ebbed, which could provide a lift to economic growth this quarter.