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OTTAWA: Canada's merchandise exports rose 5.2 per cent in May, led by higher volumes of automotive products, while imports increased 5.7 per cent.

Statistics Canada reports Canada's trade deficit hit $503 million, up from $330 million in April.

Exports rose to $34.5 billion from $32.8 billion in April after two months of decline.

While all export sectors posted gains, automotive products accounted for over half the growth.

Export volumes increased 3.9 per cent and prices rose 1.2.

Imports rose to $35 billion from $33.1 billion in April, as all import sectors, except agricultural and fishing products, grew in May.

Machinery and equipment, industrial goods and materials as well as other consumer goods led the gain in imports.

Import volumes increased 4.2 per cent while prices grew 1.4.

Exports to the United States increased 5.5 per cent while imports grew 5.8 as Canada's trade surplus with the United States widened to $3.6 billion in May from $3.5 billion in April.

Exports to countries other than the United States grew 4.4 per cent, led by a 25.2 per cent increase in exports to the European Union. Imports rose 5.5 per cent.

As a result, Canada's trade deficit with countries other than the United States expanded to $4.1 billion in May from $3.8 billion in April.