Canadian Oil Exports: How Much Oil Does Canada Export?

What Impact Do Oil Exports Have on the Canadian Economy?

Canadian oil and gas accounted for $188 billion in exports in 2024, representing 26% of Canada’s total exports – with oil accounting for the lion’s share (by value) ^[1]
A new 1 million bpd oil pipeline to the west coast could generate $5 billion in annual royalties, enough to hire 13,000 doctors who could provide healthcare to 17 million Canadians ^[5]
Expanding Canada’s oil export capacity by 1.5 million bpd over time could add an average of $31.4 billion in gross domestic product (GDP) impact per year and support an average of 112,000 jobs between 2027 and 2035, while helping to address weak business investment levels ^[6]

What Countries Does Canada Export Oil To?

In 2025, Trans Mountain pipeline oil exports from the Port of Vancouver grew 95% in 2025 year-over-year, reaching 24.4 million metric tonnes (MMT) ^[2]
In 2024, the U.S. accounted for 96% of all Canadian crude oil exports, totalling approximately 4 million bpd ^[1]
Canada was the largest foreign supplier of crude oil to the U.S. in 2024, accounting for 62% of total U.S. imports and 24% of U.S. refinery oil feedstock ^[1]
41% of raw bitumen produced in the oil sands was sent for upgrading in Alberta in 2024 ^[1]
17% of Canada’s refined petroleum products were exported in 2024, 87% of which (by value) was shipped to U.S. customers ^[1]
S. Midwest and Gulf Coast refineries are built to process heavy oils; Canada has expanded market share in these regions by approximately 200% since 2010 ^[3]
Oil exports from Atlantic Canada totalled more than 180,000 bpd in 2024, about 40% of which was sent to non-U.S. buyers ^[3]

Where Does Canada’s Oil Production Come From?

Alberta produces a large share of Canada’s oil, at 84.5% in 2024, with Saskatchewan (9.7%), Newfoundland and Labrador (4.5%), and Manitoba (0.9%), British Columbia (0.2%), and other provinces accounting for 0.1% ^[1]
97% of Canada’s proven oil reserves are located in the oil sands ^[1]

Did Trans Mountain Help Canada Diversify Oil Exports?

60% of oil shipments from the Westridge Marine export terminal since the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion began operations between May 2024 and September 2025 were destined for Asian markets ^[4]
Between May 2024 and September 2025, China purchased 199 shipments from Trans Mountain, Korea bought 14, India/Brunei had 4, Japan had 2, and Singapore also had 2. California also bought 110 shipments, totalling 380 altogether ^[4].
Trans Mountain offers 17-18 days of estimated shipping times from Vancouver to Asia, 60% shorter than from the US Gulf Coast, 40% shorter than from South America, and 30% shorter than from the Middle East ^[4]

Does Canada Have Oil Export Capacity Constraints?

After meeting domestic refining needs in Alberta, British Columbia, and Ontario, a large majority of Canadian oil exports are shipped to the U.S. due to geographical proximity and Canada’s limited access to alternative trade partners ^[3]
The Trans Mountain pipeline currently represents 20% of all egress capacity from the Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin (WCSB), while the rest goes to the United States
Ever since various pipeline projects including Keystone XL, Northern Gateway, and Energy East were cancelled, effectively eliminating Canada's oil trade market diversification and remaining captured largely by the U.S., global oil consumption has grown by several million barrels per day.

The World Needs More Canadian Oil

Global demand for reliable oil and gas supply is growing, and Canada’s coastlines offer a practical route to diversify markets while strengthening energy security abroad. Expanding tidewater access through new pipeline projects helps Canada reduce dependence on a single market, makes Canadian crude more competitive on the world stage, and would maximize the value of WCS in benchmark price indexes – reducing the current oil discount and keeping billions more dollars in the country.

Additionally, well-planned pipeline projects can unlock immense economic value for communities and governments alike, supporting jobs, local businesses and long-term investment across Canada. Royalties and tax revenues from expanded oil exports can fund health care, infrastructure and other social programs that benefit all Canadians. In short, new pipeline development offers a pathway to shared prosperity for all of Canada.

It's time for action, it’s time to build new pipelines that will help get more Canadian-made oil and gas to new markets and usher in a new era of prosperity for Canadians from coast to coast.

"We estimate that a single 1 million barrel per day pipeline would generate an additional $5 billion in new royalties every year.

This would be enough to hire 13,000 new doctors, enough to provide health care to almost 17 million Canadians."

In testimony to the Standing… pic.twitter.com/tz42Ur2q8j
— Oil Sands Action (@OilsandsAction) February 21, 2026