Canada's trade deficit in May narrowed after a record-breaking deficit in April as total exports rose and imports fell even as the impact of U.S. tariffs dented shipments south of the border, data showed on Thursday.

Helped by volatile gold shipments, the May deficit was down from a record in April and continued to reflect fluctuating tariff policy in Canada’s biggest trade partner and neighbor.

OTTAWA — Statistics Canada says the country's merchandise trade deficit narrowed to $5.9 billion in May as gold exports climbed higher.