On a monthly basis, imports dipped 5.8 percent to $37.3 billion in August, due largely to lower imports of energy and automotive products, the agency said.

Exports fell 1.6 percent to $43.1 billion, the first decline since December 2007.

"As a result, Canada's trade surplus with the world increased to $5.8 billion in August from $4.2 billion in July," the StatsCan report said.

Exports to all countries except the United States increased 6 percent, while Canadian imports from those countries declined 5.9 percent during August.

Trade with the United States, Canada's biggest trading partner, was lower on both fronts. Exports fell 3.9 percent to $32.5 billion and imports decreased 5.8 percent to $23.9 billion, the agency said.

Among the exceptions in exports was canola, which increased 52.5 percent, the largest monthly increase since January 2008.