OTTAWA—Exports in April hit a low mark of just over $82 million, but imports also came in low, at slightly more than $107 million. Printing trade in general has been on the wane for some time now.

Our trade balance continues to paint a depressing picture. A small surplus of juts under $14 million in the January to April period in 2008, melted to a deficit of more than $86 million in 2009, a dismal retreat of 724.8%.

EXPORTS	2009	2008	Change
April	$82.2 million	$102.1 million	-19.5%
Year-to-date	$344.6 million	$412.4 million	-16.4%

IMPORTS	2009	2008	Change
April	$107.6 million	$115.4 million	-6.8%
Year-to-date	$430.7 million	$398.6 million	8.1%