That result compares to a revised surplus of 2.4 billion for the month of July from an original reading of 4.1 billion.

Total exports fell 2.9% to 65.4 billion in August, losing ground for the second straight month, the federal agency said.

Exports of energy products fell 6.0% to 18.4 billion, while exports of crude oil fell 5.7% mainly due to lower prices.

Meanwhile, total imports fell 1.7% to 63.9 billion, again marking a second straight monthly decline.

Imports of motor vehicles and parts fell 7.1% in August, while imports of passenger cars and light trucks fell 9.5% and engines and parts fell 7.4%.

In terms of volume, exports fell 1.3% in August while imports fell 0.7%.

“At the end of two months, it still looks like trade will contribute to growth in the third quarter; However, the monthly data is subject to significant revisions that could alter the level of support,” noted Bank of Montreal economist Shelly Kaushik.

At the regional level, Statistics Canada pointed out that the trade surplus with the United States was basically unchanged at 10.7 billion in August. Exports to the United States fell 2.5% and imports from the country, Canada’s main trading partner, fell 3.3%.

Canada’s trade deficit with countries other than the United States was $9.2 billion in August, compared with a deficit of $8.3 billion in July, the first increase in four months.

Exports to countries other than the United States fell 4.3% in August, while imports from countries other than the United States rose 1.1%.

In a separate report, Statistics Canada said the country’s deficit in international trade in services rose to $1.9 billion in August, from $1.6 billion in July. Imports of services increased by 2.1% to 14.5 billion and exports by 0.3% to 12.6 billion.

Overall, Canada’s trade balance with the world for goods and services ended August, the first of the year, with a deficit of 369 million, compared with a surplus of 740 million in July.