The graph of Quebec’s overall trade patterns shows the value of Quebec’s trade with its top ten trading partners. The data is provided by the Institut de la statistique du Québec and is not deseasonalized. In addition, it is presented in current dollars. When comparing data over time, users should thus be aware that the changes observed refer to the value of trade, not the volume.

The “over 10 years” depiction shows all Quebec imports and exports throughout the world. This total thus includes the value of Quebec trade with not just its top ten trading partners but with all trading partners around the world.

The difference between total exports and total imports is the trade balance. If this balance is positive, the total value of Quebec exports is higher than that of its imports.

A negative trade balance indicates that the value of imports exceeds that of exports. The graph thus shows that Quebec enjoyed a positive trade balance until 2003.

If you choose to view the “by year” depiction, you will see a planisphere (a flat, two-dimensional projection of the world) covered with blue dots. When touched by your mouse, these dots will reveal a map of the country you are interested in along with two arrows and two values expressed in percentages.

The arrow pointing from Quebec to that country shows Quebec exports to that country. The value appearing next to the arrow is the weight of Quebec exports to that country as a percentage of all Quebec exports throughout the world.

The arrow pointing from that country to Quebec shows Quebec imports from that country. The value appearing next to the arrow is the weight of Quebec imports from that country as a percentage of all Quebec imports from around the world.

For example, in 2006, Quebec exports to the United States accounted for 77.6% of total Quebec exports, and imports from the United States accounted for 30.8% of all Quebec imports.