OTTAWA — Canada posted a small trade deficit of $179 million in April after a surplus of $1 billion in March.

Canada's trade surplus with the United States shrank to $2.8 billion in April from $3.5 billion in March, as exports (down 4.4 per cent) and imports (down 1.7) both declined.

Canada's total merchandise exports with the world fell 5.1 per cent to $30.8 billion in April.

Statistics Canada blames the decline mainly on a 3.2 per cent reduction in prices while volumes decreased 1.9 per cent.

Lower exports of industrial goods and materials, energy products, and machinery and equipment largely accounted for the decrease in overall exports. Gains in agricultural and fishing products, and automotive products partially offset the decline.

Imports decreased 1.5 per cent to $31 billion, mainly a result of declines in industrial goods and materials as well as machinery and equipment.

Import prices were down 1.8 per cent while volumes edged up 0.3 per cent.

Exports have fallen $13.6 billion or 30.6 per cent since last July, with more than 80 per cent of the decline occurring from November to January.

Imports have declined $8.5 billion or 21.6 per cent since last July, with almost 70 per cent of the decrease occurring in December and January.

The trade deficit with countries other than the United States widened to $3 billion in April from $2.4 billion in March, as exports fell 6.9 per cent and imports were down one per cent.