Statistics Canada provides raw data annually on trade in culture goods and services. There are separate data tables for culture goods and culture services. The most recent culture services trade tables, providing data from 2006, have been analyzed by Hill Strategies Research for this issue of the Arts Research Monitor.

In 2006, total exports of culture services amounted to $3.0 billion, slightly higher than the $2.8 billion in imports in that year. This was the second year in a row where Canada had a trade surplus in culture services.

Culture services with a substantial trade surplus include film and video services ($756 million surplus) and advertising services ($235 million). Two other sectors had very small surpluses: design ($42 million) and architecture services ($29 million). There are substantial trade deficits in broadcasting ($460 million) and sound recording and music publishing services ($136 million).

Between 1997 and 2006, culture services exports doubled, with film and video services accounting for a large portion of the growth. During the same timeframe, culture services imports increased by 76%. (These figures have not been adjusted for inflation.)

Trade with the United States represents three-quarters of total culture services trade, including 67% of exports and 88% of imports. In 2006, Canada had a culture services trade deficit with the United States of $429 million. Trade with the European Union represents 10% of total culture services trade. In 2006, Canada had a culture services trade surplus of $133 million with the European Union. Trade with the rest of the world represents 13% of total culture services trade. In 2006, Canada had a culture services trade surplus of $536 million with the rest of the world.