I fed your question to ChatGPT. This is the response. Hope it helps.
-A significant portion of Canada’s goods are exported via American ports, particularly due to logistical advantages and access to global markets. However, precise data on the exact percentage varies by industry and year. Some key points include:
- Rail and Pipeline Exports: A large share of Canadian crude oil, minerals, and agricultural products move through U.S. pipelines and rail networks to American ports like those in the Gulf of Mexico (e.g., Houston) for export to global markets.
- West Coast Trade: Some Canadian goods, especially from the Prairie provinces, are shipped via U.S. ports like Seattle, Tacoma, and Long Beach instead of Vancouver due to congestion or cost-effectiveness.
- Great Lakes & St. Lawrence: The integrated nature of the Great Lakes shipping system means that Canadian goods also flow through U.S. ports like Duluth and Cleveland.
While estimates suggest that a
small but significant portion of Canadian exports rely on U.S. ports, the majority still move through Canadian ports such as Vancouver, Montreal, and Halifax.
Heres the 2nd response that expands a little bit more
- Bulk Commodities: Canada exports large amounts of oil, minerals, and agricultural products through U.S. ports, especially from landlocked provinces like Alberta and Saskatchewan.
- Strategic Ports:Major U.S. ports used by Canada include:
- Port of Seattle & Portland: For grain and forest products.
- Port of Duluth (Minnesota): Handles shipments of Canadian iron ore and grain.
- Gulf of Mexico Ports (e.g., New Orleans): Used for Canadian crude oil and agricultural exports.
- Rail and Pipeline Integration: The close integration of Canadian rail networks (CN and CP) with U.S. ports facilitates the movement of goods.
- Historical Dependence: The use of U.S. ports has grown due to factors like cost efficiencies, weather conditions (e.g., frozen Great Lakes in winter), and proximity to major global shipping routes.
Estimated Share of Canadian Exports via U.S. Ports:
- Studies suggest that about 10-15% of Canada’s total exports move through U.S. ports, though this varies by industry and region.
I got similar results through Deepseek:
The percentage of Canada's goods exported via U.S. ports is estimated to be **5–10%** of total Canadian exports, though precise figures are challenging to determine due to data limitations. Here's a breakdown:
1. **Trade Context**:
- Canada and the U.S. share a deeply integrated trade relationship, with over 75% of Canada’s exports destined for the U.S. market. These are typically consumed in the U.S. and not counted as transshipments through U.S. ports.
- The focus here is on exports **routed through U.S. ports** to reach third countries (e.g., Asia, Europe), not goods sold directly to the U.S.
2. **Key Factors Influencing Transshipments**:
- **Geography**: Central Canadian exporters (e.g., Ontario, Quebec) sometimes use U.S. East Coast ports (e.g., New York/New Jersey) for efficiency, especially when Canadian Atlantic ports like Halifax face congestion or higher costs.
- **Commodity-Specific Routes**: Certain goods, like Alberta oil shipped via pipeline to U.S. Gulf Coast ports, may be re-exported globally, though this is often counted as U.S. consumption.
- **Infrastructure**: Canadian West Coast ports (Vancouver, Prince Rupert) handle most Asia-Pacific traffic, but some exporters opt for U.S. West Coast ports (e.g., Seattle, Los Angeles) during peak seasons or disruptions.
3. **Data Challenges**:
- Canada’s export statistics report final destinations, not transit routes, making it difficult to track port usage.
- U.S. re-export data (goods imported from Canada and later shipped elsewhere) offers a proxy. For example, in 2022, U.S. re-exports totaled $365 billion, with a portion originating in Canada. Estimates suggest **~5% of Canada’s total exports** (roughly $30–40 billion annually) may fall into this category.
4. **Recent Trends**:
- Expansion of Canadian ports (e.g., Prince Rupert’s rail links) aims to reduce reliance on U.S. gateways.
- Supply chain disruptions (e.g., COVID-19, strikes) have occasionally diverted Canadian cargo to U.S. ports, but this is typically temporary.
**Conclusion**: While most Canadian exports either stay in the U.S. or depart from Canadian ports, **5–10%** likely transit through U.S. ports, varying by region, commodity, and logistical conditions. For precise figures, specialized trade logistics reports or customs data would be required.
So seemingly 5-10%. Not nothing, but not as big as impact as it could be, mostly because most of their goods destination is the US.
