Exports & Imports

Canadian Exports to the US by Rail

When insufficient pipeline capacity exists, oil can also be exported by rail. Even with sufficient takeaway capacity, some volumes still flow on rail due to advantaged rail economics in certain regions. Crude-by-rail is the marginal transport option primarily used to transport crude oil to the U.S. Gulf Coast. This region accounted for ~80% of total Canadian rail shipments in 2025.

Total WCSB Oil Pipeline Capacity vs Supply for Export

The Western Canada Sedimentary Basin (WCSB) reached a point of insufficient egress capacity in 2018 following a period of oil sands growth. The Enbridge Line 3 Replacement in 2021 provided a temporary buffer for pipeline takeaway capacity. The recently completed Trans Mountain Expansion Project (TMEP) has added 590 MB/d of takeaway capacity. Supply out of the WCSB has grown in tandem with the TMEP becoming operational. The TMEP began commercial operation in May 2024 and is needed to accommodate future production growth and mitigate further differential blowouts.

Canada Crude Oil Exports – Mode of Transportation

Canadian crude oil is predominantly exported via pipelines. Canada’s major crude oil export pipeline infrastructure includes the Aurora, Enbridge Mainline, Express, Keystone, Milk River, and Trans Mountain pipelines. A small but growing percentage of crude oil is exported to tidewater via the Westridge Marine Terminal in Burnaby, B.C., and from offshore projects in Atlantic Canada. Crude-by-rail is the marginal transport option primarily used to transport crude oil to the U.S. Gulf Coast.

Canadian Crude Oil Exports by Destination

Canada’s crude oil exports have risen alongside oil sands growth and have more than doubled since 2010. Limited tidewater access historically constrained exports, but the 2024 start-up of the Trans Mountain Expansion Project (TMEP) expanded market access to Asia, reducing the U.S. share of exports.

Canadian Energy Exports

The Canadian economy benefits greatly from energy exports which accounted for roughly $191 billion in 2025, equivalent to 25% of total Canadian exports.

WCSB Oil Exports by Pipeline and Rail

The Western Canada Sedimentary Basin (WCSB) reached a point of insufficient egress capacity in 2018 following a period of oil sands growth. The Enbridge Line 3 Replacement in 2021 (+370 MB/d) provided a temporary buffer for pipeline takeaway capacity. The recently completed Trans Mountain Expansion Project (TMEP) has added 590 MB/d of takeaway capacity. Supply out of the WCSB has grown in tandem with the TMEP becoming operational. The TMEP began commercial operation in May 2024 and is needed to accommodate future production growth.

Canadian Crude Oil & Natural Gas Exports by Value

From 2010 to 2021, combined crude oil and natural gas exports have ranged from approximately $60 to $120 billion per year, depending on commodity prices, before reaching a record high of roughly $188 billion in 2022. More recently, the value of crude oil and natural gas exports have benefited from elevated commodity prices, a weak Canadian dollar, and increasing production levels.

Canada Crude Oil Imports from the US by Province

In 2025, imports from the U.S. represented ~73% of all crude oil imports. New Brunswick, Québec, and Ontario account for most of the U.S. crude oil imports. The reversal of Line 9 in the 2010s has made Ontario and part of Québec completely dependent on crude oil transited through the U.S. As such, Ontario is completely reliant on U.S crude oil imports, while other provinces (Québec and New Brunswick) are also heavily reliant.

Canada Natural Gas Imports from the US by Province

Ontario and Québec are the most dependent on U.S. natural gas imports. The natural gas is imported to Ontario and then flows into Québec. The TC Canadian Mainline connects Western Canada with Ontario, over Canadian territory, however, due to higher costs to transport natural gas on this system, Ontario has been growing its reliance on U.S. imports.

Total Annual US Crude Oil Imports by Country

Canada is the largest crude oil importer into the U.S. – roughly ten times larger than Mexico, the next biggest supplier. In recent years, Canadian heavy crude has stepped in to fill the void left by Venezuela, which has faced sanctions, and a reduction from Mexico. Imports from Saudi Arabia have decreased, primarily because of the rise of U.S. domestic light oil.

Canadian Natural Gas Imports vs Exports

Ontario and Québec are the most dependent on U.S. natural gas imports.

Canadian Crude Oil Imports

Canada has increased its energy security by reducing overall reliance on foreign oil imports, however, the share of imports coming from the U.S. has grown. Most provinces import nearly exclusively from the U.S. The only Canadian refinery that still relies heavily on overseas imports is the Irving Oil refinery in New Brunswick.