OTTAWA: Canada once again posted a merchandise trade surplus in June, thanks in part to a sixth consecutive month of rising exports, Statistics Canada reported Thursday.

Total merchandise exports were up 2 percent to Can$69.9 billion (USD $54 billion) thanks to increased exports of crude oil and gold.

Forestry, building materials and packaging products were down mainly due to a decline in the value of lumber exports, linked to lower demand from the US construction industry, and to lower prices.

Total imports were up 1.7 percent, mainly due to energy products, reaching Can$64.9 billion, the fifth consecutive monthly increase.

Imports of refined petroleum products rose 32.5 percent to Can$1.9 billion, a record high.