Canada-U.S. Energy Trade: 10 Facts That Will Amaze You

#1 - Canadian energy supports millions of jobs in the U.S. ^[1]

Canadian energy has a profound impact on U.S. employment – we're talking about millions of American jobs supported by this cross-border relationship.

It's a perfect example of how intertwined our economies have become and, with each other’s cooperation, how further economic and energy security opportunities await Canadians and Americans if we choose to further advance energy trade between our countries.

#2 - Canada supplies about 20% of total U.S. crude oil demand – more than all OPEC members and Gulf States combined ^[4]

At more than 4 million barrels daily, Canada exports more oil daily to the U.S. than all OPEC and Persian Gulf countries combined.

American consumers benefit immensely from having a stable, friendly neighbour as their largest energy trading partner rather than relying on more volatile regions of the world for that critical energy supply.

It's an invaluable partnership that strengthens North American energy security and independence.

And, with the construction of projects like the now-defunct Keystone XL pipeline, Canada could do more to help bolster American energy security for decades to come.

#3 - 60% of crude oil imported into the U.S. comes from Canada - more than 4 million barrels/day - representing one-quarter of the daily intake of US refineries ^[2]

Importing more than 4 million barrels of Canadian crude oil every day, American refineries rely on Canadian crude as a cornerstone of their operations.

In the Midwest and Gulf Coast, for example, many of these facilities have been explicitly fine-tuned for heavy crude oil feedstock – not easily replaceable by another source in the volumes provided by Canada ^[5].

#4 - Canada supplies approximately 9% of U.S. natural gas demand ^[1]

Nearly one-tenth of all natural gas used in the U.S. comes from Canada, which is no small amount.

For American homes and businesses, Canada’s reliable and low-priced gas supply helps keep the power and heat on.

#5 - 99% of natural gas imported into the U.S. comes from Canada ^[2]

The fact that virtually all U.S. natural gas imports come from Canada underscores unprecedented trust and cooperation between the two nations.

Canada will soon have an opportunity to shift natural gas exports from the U.S. to other nations abroad with the completion of LNG projects on the West Coast.

#6 - Approximately one-quarter of U.S. uranium imports come from Canada, fueling reactors that supply electricity to about 1 in 21 American homes ^[2]

Canadian uranium plays a critical role in America's nuclear energy sector, providing feedstock for U.S. reactors, which power one out of every 21 American homes.

It's a lesser-known but crucial aspect of our energy trade that supports U.S. energy security.

#7 - Canada exports enough electricity to power more than 6 million U.S. homes ^[6]

Imagine the entire population of Minnesota - that's roughly how many American homes receive power thanks to Canadian electricity exports to the U.S.

The seamless flow of power across the border keeps lights on and businesses open.

With new transmission lines like the Champlain Hudson Power Express, millions more American homes will soon be powered by Canadian electricity.

#8 - Over 35 major electricity transmission lines and 70 oil and gas pipelines cross our border ^[1]

The web of 35 transmission lines and 70 oil & natural gas pipelines crossing the Canada-U.S. border represents decades of collaboration and trust.

These aren't just steel and concrete - they're energy security lifelines built through years of partnership and shared interests.

The most recent data, for example, shows that Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, and British Columbia export several Terawatt-hours (TWH) of power to several U.S. states.

#9 - Energy is the largest contributor to Canada–U.S. bilateral trade, equal to 22% of trade in goods, and ahead of autos, steel and aluminum ^[1]

When energy outpaces even automotive and metals - accounting for 22% of total goods traded between Canada and the U.S. - it puts the importance of this energy relationship into perspective.

The scale of Canadian energy exported to the U.S. is essentially the backbone of North American economic cooperation.

#10 - In 2023, the value of Canada-U.S. energy trade was US$153.7 billion (CA$220.6 billion) with Canada buying US$30 billion (CA$43.1 billion) of U.S. energy products ^[2]

The massive flow of energy dollars between our nations - with the U.S. purchasing CA$220.6 billion worth of Canadian energy while selling CA$43.1 billion back - reflects a reliable, two-way partnership.

It's not just about selling resources; it's about maintaining a balanced, mutually beneficial relationship that strengthens our economies while providing our people with the energy they need.

Remember, no poor nation on earth has abundant energy, which is essential for economic growth and prosperity.

Let’s Work Together for a Brighter Future

The above facts paint a picture of two nations whose partnership enhances North American energy security, supports millions of jobs, and drives economic growth on both sides of the border. The relationship has evolved beyond simple trade into a crucial strategic alliance that benefits Canadian and American families.

Whether in Canada or the U.S., when you turn on your lights, fill up your car, or heat your home, there's a good chance you're benefitting from our strong energy partnership. - a relationship that's been powering our shared prosperity for generations.

As we face global energy challenges together, this unique cross-border cooperation isn't just about trading resources - it's about building a more resource-secure and strong economic future for North American families.

There are better ways for Canada to fight back than a full-on trade war

“Hitting back with tariffs, export taxes or energy shipment blockages will only deepen the recession that is inevitable” https://t.co/O4nkq3aXRJ

— Canada Action (@CanadaAction) January 28, 2025

SOURCES:

_{1 – https://connect2canada.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/20-Facts-about-energy.pdf}

_{2 - https://connect2canada.com/canada-u-s-relationship/energy-and-the-environment/}

_{3 - https://connect2canada.com/2022/04/mapping-the-canada-u-s-energy-relationship-2/}

_{4 - https://www.eia.gov/dnav/pet/pet_move_impcus_a2_nus_ep00_im0_mbblpd_a.htm}

_{5 - https://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.php?id=62664}

_{6 -https://edmonton.citynews.ca/2025/01/16/jonathan-wilkinson-us-canada-energy-alliance/}